Qing Dynasty. temp. Qianlong gold Boat-Shaped Sycee of 10 Taels ND (c. 1750) AU, Cribb-Unl., Tang-Unl. 81x27mm. 366.47gm. Stamped on face in three sections, the top and bottom stamps reading "Bao" (Precious) and the central stamp reading "Yuan Ji" (assayer name). The back is stamped in only two sections, each reading "Yuan." An enticing and instantly recognizable gold ingot, whose existence came to light almost exclusively in association with the pieces recovered from the Dutch East-Indiaman Geldermalsen in 1985 by Captain Michael Hatcher. Wrecked in the South China Sea on 18 January 1752, in addition to a large amount of porcelain, the vessel contained 147 gold bars and ingots, which, owing to their distinctive shape and design characteristics, seem likely to have been used almost exclusively for trade with the Dutch. At least two principle types are known from the wreck, one bearing the assayer or private bank name "Chen Ji" and the characters "San Yi" and "Wang Pu" on the back, and the other as the present offering. Though this specimen is not accompanied by a Christie's wooden case, given its type and some dark sandy deposits, it is quite likely that it originated from this wreck (also referred to as the Nanking Cargo). Ex. Chaponnière-Hess Divo Auction 1 (May 2010, Lot 1683)

HID09801242017

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