15th c. blue and white charger - Hoi An Cargo

Dating from the 15th century, a blue and white charger from the Hoi An Hoard (shipwreck cargo).  The charger or deep dish is ornamented with floral motifs. The underside retains the label of provenance and traces of shells and encrustations from 500 years under the sea  Origin: Vietnam.  Circa 1450-1500.

During the 15th century, off the Hoi An coast of Vietnam in the South China Sea, a trading vessel filled with ceramics vanished without a trace.  It was re-discovered by fishermen in the 1990s.  All pieces unique to the cargo were retained by Vietnamese museums for display.  The rest was sold at auction.