Ca Mau Cargo Shipwreck Glazed Blue and White Lidded Box

Early 18th century A.D. A glazed powder box with a zig zag band to the lid and foot, central lid motif a spray of flowers on a small mound. 74 grams, 63 mm (2 1/2 in.). [No Reserve]

Ex Sotheby's, Amsterdam, 29-31 January 2007. Accompanied by an illustrated information sheet about the Ca Mau shipwreck.

The Ca Mau shipwreck refers to a cargo of Chinese porcelain sunk between 1723 and 1735 off the coast of Vietnam. The wreck was discovered by Vietnamese fishermen in 1998. It is believed the wreck was a merchant’s junk on its way from Canton (Guangzhou) to Batavia when it caught fire and sank. The ship was carrying goods destined for Dutch traders who had limited access to China and its ports.