Chinese Blue & White Porcelain Plate – Shipwreck Find (Qing Dynasty, 18th Century)

This fascinating blue and white porcelain plate is a likely example of Chinese export porcelain from the Qing dynasty, with strong indications of having been recovered from a maritime context.

Hand-painted in cobalt blue under the glaze, the plate features a central motif of a mythical creature or stylized bird, surrounded by a floral border. The decoration reflects the artistic traditions of Chinese export wares produced for international trade.

What makes this piece particularly special is the clear evidence of long-term underwater exposure, suggesting it may originate from a shipwreck—possibly linked to historic trade routes such as those of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) or other Asian-European maritime exchanges.

Details

Object: Porcelain plate (shipwreck find)
Material: Porcelain

Origin: China (export porcelain)

Decoration:

• Hand-painted cobalt blue underglaze

• Central mythical / animal motif

• Floral border decoration

Dating & Attribution

Period: Likely 18th century
Dynasty: Qing dynasty

Indicators:

• Hand-painted underglaze decoration

• Traditional export porcelain style

• Natural glaze aging and wear

• Marine encrustation consistent with long-term submersion

Shipwreck Characteristics

The underside shows clear signs of maritime exposure:

Calcium and shell deposits
Marine encrustation
Surface erosion from prolonged underwater conditions

These features are typical of shipwreck porcelain, often associated with historic trade cargoes.

 Technique.

• Wheel-thrown porcelain

• Hand-painted cobalt blue underglaze

• High-temperature kiln firing

Condition

Fair antique condition, consistent with shipwreck recovery

Structurally intact
Decoration still visible and readable

About House of History:
At House of History, we are passionate about discovering and curating vintage and unique items for history enthusiasts like you. We believe that a tangible piece of history brings the past to life, and that is where our passion lies! Our dedication to this hobby is reflected in our yearly visits to numerous markets, vintage shops, and auctions, both nationally and internationally, in search of that one unique piece. Whether you are looking to expand your collection or add an extra touch of character to your interior, we strive to find the perfect item for you. Our selection of goods is based on careful selection, love, and craftsmanship. Do you have a specific request? Let us know, and we will gladly search for you! Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, comments, or complaints. We are always here to help.

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Notes:
At House of History, we sell vintage products, which means that our goods may show signs of use. We recommend carefully reviewing the accompanying photos and videos before making a purchase. Do you have more questions about a product or would you like to receive additional photos, videos, or descriptions? Do not hesitate to contact us. We are always here to help. At House of History, we prefer to preserve the original condition of our products. Some customers prefer a polished, restored condition, while others prefer a lived-in look (patina). The majority of our offered products are therefore presented unpolished and uncleaned.