Lotus-decorated Teapot From The Ca Mau Shipwreck (c. 1725)

Small octagonal teapot in white porcelain, painted with cobalt blue underglaze, with a stylized floral motif.
The flowers represented are those of the lotus, a neutral decoration likely to please the clientele of the time (both Christian and Muslim). It seems that the cargo of this Ca Mau wreck was destined for the port of Batavia (present-day Jakarta), from where the porcelain pieces were re-exported, either to Dar-es-Salam or Egypt by Indian and Arab dhows, or to Europe by Dutch VOC vessels.

It is in perfect condition, with no chips or cracks, and the satin-finish shine of pieces that have spent a long time underwater. The interior has been deliberately left uncleaned to testify to its underwater origin, and shows marine dirt still adhering...
The only two examples presented at the Amsterdam sale at Sotheby's were particularly broken (lot no. 981).
Largest dimension: 165 mm, weight: 280 g.

References: (last four photos)
Ng Dinh Chien, 2002 "The Ca Mau Shipwreck - 1723-1735", fig. 155, p. 151.
Sotheby's, 1997: "Made in Imperial China", lot 981

To see other related objects: https://www.lamalledugouverneur.com/boutique/antiquit%C3%A9s-asiatiques/porcelaines-chinoises/

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