Nauticalia

The Tek Sing (True Star) set sail from China, bound for Java, in 1822. She was heavily laden with Chinese porcelain, 1,600 passengers (mostly living outside on deck) and 200 crew. After 24 days she struck a reef, and quickly sank, taking more lives than even the Titanic disaster 90 years later. In 1999, salvage diver Captain Mike Hatcher found the wreck and recovered her porcelain cargo - the largest ever discovery of its kind, and in remarkably good condition. Bowls and dishes predominated, mostly in the blue-and-white patterns that graced the tables of 19th century Europe and have gained in popularity ever since. This is the story of her origins, fateful last voyage, cargo and rediscovery in a magnificent 178 page hardback book, lavishly illustrated throughout.