Nauticalia

The journey of this fine quality Yongzheng Dynasty porcelain began in about 1725, in the hold of an unknown Chinese Junk bound for Batavia (present day Jakarta). She sunk after a fire, and remained undiscovered off the coast of Ca Mau, Vietnam, until 1998. In 2007, having recovered the cargo and selected the very finest pieces for their museums, the government sent the remainder to auction at Sotheby's in Amsterdam. The Tu Hai pattern teabowl and saucer is of a superb quality depicting a military figure marching with a lady in the grounds of a pavilion, with an attendant looking on.

These are very rare pieces with only 20 available (Jan 08).

They are in remarkable condition considering they were underwater for 270 years. Each comes supplied with the original auction house sticker and a certificate of authenticity.

Teabowl diameter 2.5", saucer 4.5".