"tea-caddy" From The Shipwreck Off Ca Mau Dated From The Yongzheng Period (c. 1725). Uncleaned

Another tea container (tea caddy* for English speakers) in white-blue porcelain from the Chinese wreck found off the Vietnamese port off Ca Mau, dated archaeologically to around 1725, and deliberately left uncleaned to testify to its underwater origin.

Of the six examples at the Sotheby's sale in Amsterdam, (see photo of lot 377), none had its lid. This one is complete in very good condition, including the delicate high-relief barbotine frieze surrounding the foot. One spectacular oyster is still affixed to the body of the vase, while others are trapped inside, their diameter far exceeding that of the neck, transforming it into a unique historical object. Cover a little matt, especially on the lid, otherwise in very good condition, with no missing part, no chips or cracks. Height: 125 mm, weight: 230 g.

References: (last four photos)
Ng Dinh Chien, 2002 "The Ca Mau Shipwreck" - 1723-1735, fig. 193, p. 168.
Sotheby's, 1997: "Made in Imperial China", lot 377.

(*) caddy is said to come from kati, an ancient Chinese unit of weight (approx. 500 g)

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

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