Oud Chinees, Ca Mau-schipbreuk Aardewerk Beker, Ex SOTHEBY'S

ITEM: Cup
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Chinese, Ca Mau shipwreck
PERIOD: 18th Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 40 mm x 71 mm diameter
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex Sotheby's, Amsterdam, Junuary 2007

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks

The Ca Mau wreck, discovered off the southern coast of Vietnam near the Ca Mau Peninsula, is an important historical site linked to maritime trade in the early 18th century. In 1998, local fishermen accidentally discovered the wreckage, which led to extensive excavations by the Vietnamese government. The ship, believed to have been en route from Guangzhou to Batavia (modern-day Jakarta), sank around 1725 after a severe fire onboard. Over 130,000 artifacts were recovered, mostly Chinese porcelain, which provides insight into the global trade routes of the time​.

Artifacts from the wreck suggest it was part of the vast porcelain trade, which was a key aspect of inter-Asian and European commerce. The majority of the ceramics recovered were made in China, particularly from renowned production centers like Jingdezhen. This included blue-and-white porcelain, teacups, and various decorative items. The Ca Mau wreck is especially significant because it illustrates the growing demand for Chinese ceramics in Europe, particularly during the reign of the Yongzheng Emperor (1723–1735), a period when porcelain export reached new heights​.

The wreck's discovery has shed light on the broader historical context of Vietnam's role in maritime trade networks, especially as a key point in the movement of goods between East Asia and Europe. Additionally, this site has been crucial in understanding the complex interactions among the Dutch East India Company, private traders, and other international players during the 18th century​.