15th c. Hoi An Hoard - Blue and White Charger dish

Dating from the 15th century, a blue and white charger from the Hoi An Hoard (shipwreck cargo).  The charger or deep dish, ornamented with floral motifs is now with a chalky glaze from 500 years under the sea. The underside retains the label of provenance.   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.