Chinese Blue-and-white Box With Circular Lid, From Ca Mau Wreck, C. 1725

Blue-and-white Chinese circular box with lid, from the wreck of the Ca Mau, ca. 1725

China, Qing Dynasty, late Kangxi or Yongzheng period, ca. 1725

Diameter 10 cm
Height: 5.3 cm

The top decorated with peony and grasses issuing from rockwork within a circular cross-hatched band, enclosed by floral sprays, the base with further floral decoration. The Chinese Ca Mau junk was probably going from Canton to Batavia (now Jakarta) Some porcelain on board had the reign mark of Yongzheng (1723-1735) which served to date the wreck. The disaster struck off the Ca Mau peninsular when the ship caught fire. The fire was indicated by some porcelain being fused together due to intense heat. The principal traders between China and Europe at this time were the British ‘East India Company’ and the ‘Dutch East India Company’ (Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie, VOC). In Europe at this time coffee and tea drinking was very popular and therefore the wreck contained a huge number of cups. In all, 130,000 pieces were recovered and 76,000 of the finer condition pieces were selected to be sold at auction 'Made in Imperial China. 76,000 pieces of Chinese Export Porcelain from the Ca Mau Shipwreck, circa 1725' by Sotheby’s Amsterdam on 29, 30 & 31 January 2007.

Very good condition for the age, the glaze somewhat dull because of the salt water, a few imperfections to the glaze and some very small chips to the inside rims.

Shipping in Europe: EUR 15