Ancient Chinese, Ming dynasty Porcelain Bowl from the Java Sea shipwreck

Ming Dynasty Bowl, 1368-1644, shipwreck in the Java Sea.
Historical period: Produced during the Ming Dynasty, 14th to 17th centuries (1368-1644).

Description: celadon porcelain bowl. The object features a smooth satin-green celadon glaze. Its Chinese name, Qingci, translates as "greenish porcelain." The inlays have been left for aesthetic appeal.
Diameter: 14.6 cm
Height: 6.9 cm, 8.7 cm total height with the base inlays.
Weight: 328 g.
This object is part of a larger lot recovered from a sea wreck in the 1950s.
Condition: good; this Chinese bowl remained submerged in the Java Sea for centuries. Its condition has deteriorated, showing mollusk encrustations. See all photographs to appreciate its condition. The bowl does not maintain its full vertical position due to shells and marine life encrusted on its base.
A beautiful historic collectible object or prestigious present.

Origin: the piece was produced in China, probably in the Longquan region, Zhejiang Province. It reached Southeast Asia as a valuable trading item, likely aboard an ancient Chinese merchant ship that later sank at sea. After many centuries, the piece was rediscovered by underwater wreck divers and subsequently acquired by the Chalre Collection through a registered dealer.

Acquisition: A. Gallery of Ancient Objects, Spain, 2008. Previously, ex C. collection, Ceramic Treasures, 1998.
A copy of the gallery’s certificate of authenticity from 2008 and additional information about the object accompany the shipment.

References:
“Java Sea Shipwreck,” Dr. Gary Feinman and other colleagues from the Field Museum, 1400 South DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605.
Similar or identical objects can be found in various publications on Asian ceramic art, such as “Chinese Ceramics,” “Guangdong Ceramics,” and possibly “The Art of Chinese Ceramics” and “Song Dynasty Ceramics.” Other similar or identical examples are also found in publications dealing specifically with ancient shipwreck excavations. Good examples include “Lost At Sea: The Lena Shoal Junk” and “The Pearl Road: Tales of Treasure Ships.” Other similar objects are exhibited in the Victoria & Albert Museum, London (UK), the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco (USA), the National Museum of Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), the National Museum of the Philippines (Manila), and other museums worldwide with various Asian ceramic collections.

Although the Silk Road had provided overland trade routes since antiquity, it experienced a spectacular boom in maritime trade during the Song and Yuan dynasties, between the 10th and 14th centuries. The government actively promoted and supported foreign trade. Merchant ships trading with goods sailed east to Japan; south to the Java Sea; along India, the Middle East, Africa, and even reached the Mediterranean.

The history of celadon ceramics is undoubtedly one of the most popular and long-lasting types of ceramics ever produced in China. It is believed this style originated during the Five Dynasties period (907-960). Its Chinese name, Qingci, translates as "greenish porcelain."
Celadon ceramic ware is often described as minimalist in design, generally without ornate decoration. As potters’ skill increased over the centuries, the glaze took on a magnificent jade-like appearance and texture. Longquan county, in Zhejiang Province, is considered the most important producing region of celadon ceramics. Most of the pieces in the Chalre Collection were produced in this region. The name celadon is a European word with a curious history of origin. Celadon was originally the name of the hero of a romantic novel called L’Astre, written in 1610 by French writer Honoré d’Urfe. The play’s protagonist wore green, and this color became fashionable across Europe. It was around this time that Qingci Chinese porcelain debuted in Paris with great success. Everyone compared its intense green to Celadon’s attire in the play and began calling the porcelain “Celadon.” France, leading fashion in Europe at the time, influenced other countries to follow suit.

Sale ONLY Europe (EU).
See details and dimensions in the attached description and images. Due to factors such as lighting during photography, the color may vary slightly from the original. A copy of the certificate of authenticity and a catalog copy are included with the item(s) if they appear in it.
The data and other information present are provided by the gallery where the object(s) were acquired. According to this information: the pieces cataloged, as a single item, collection, or lot, are considered genuine and ethically and professionally marketed, with Spanish and foreign specialists from the different admission committees of national and international Antiquities Fairs.
Due to new laws on export of archaeological cultural goods, WE DO NOT SELL outside the EU.
Ships are insured/declared value and certified.
With the object(s) accompany copies of acquisition and authenticity information. The Seller can prove the lot was obtained legally, provenance declaration seen by Catawiki.
Certified shipping. The seller will arrange necessary permissions, such as an export license if required. The seller will inform the buyer about the status of this if it takes more than a few days.

The seller was informed by Catawiki about the documentation requirements and guarantees the following:
– The object was obtained legally.
– The seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as applicable.
– The seller will provide the necessary provenance information and will process the required documents and licenses/permits, as applicable and in accordance with local law.