Hoi An Shipwreck Pottery

This collection of porcelain comes from the Hoi An shipwreck, sank in the late 15th-early 16th century (approximately A.D 1490).

Produced in the middle 15th century, these ceramics comes from the Hai Duong province (North Vietnam), which was known as the biggest production centre of ceramics and porcelain from medieval Vietnam. At that time, the Ming dynasty in China decreed a ban on maritime exports to Southeast Asia and other countries, leaving the opportunity for Vietnam to foster its ceramics and porcelain production.

Little is known about the vessel that sank, including her name, so the discovered hoard was named after the nearby town of Faifo, today known as Hoi An.

Fishermen from the area discovered the wreck in the early 90s, snaring finds of blue and white pottery within their fishing nets. Taking them to the nearby town. soon prompted further exploration of the waters. The government, realising the importance of the cargo, soon became involved and ordered underwater excavations, which took place from 1997-1999. Excavation of the area uncovered the trading vessel shipwreck, located in some of Vietnam’s most hazardous seas.

The shipwreck was in fact located in the middle of a typhoon zone known as the Dragon Sea. Inside, more than 150,000 objects were found.

Ceramics from the Hoi An Hoard are considered to be known as the most precious and complete representation of Vietnamese artisanship in glazed ceramics. They are far rarer than their Chinese counterparts, from Tek Sing.