Shipwreck Nguyễn Dynasty Blue-and-White Porcelain Bowl with Floral Motif — ca. Early 19th Century

Shipwreck Nguyễn Dynasty Blue-and-White Porcelain Bowl with Floral Motif — ca. Early 19th Century

A distinctive Vietnamese blue-and-white porcelain bowl dating to the early Nguyễn Dynasty, circa early 19th century.

The bowl is decorated in underglaze cobalt blue with freely painted floral and scrolling motifs. The interior features concentric blue lines surrounding a stylised central motif, while the exterior is decorated with loosely painted floral and foliate designs.

The vessel has a softly rounded profile with a short foot ring and a pale grey-green glazed surface. Its relatively spontaneous brushwork and restrained decoration are characteristic of Vietnamese blue-and-white ceramics produced for domestic use and regional trade during the period.

The surface retains extensive marine encrustation and mineral deposits, particularly around the exterior, foot and interior walls, giving the piece a strong shipwreck character. These deposits, together with glaze wear and surface alteration, are consistent with prolonged underwater exposure.

The bowl remains largely complete, with age-related wear, small chips and losses to the rim, glaze imperfections, surface deposits and areas of encrustation. The painted decoration remains clearly visible throughout.

Culture: Vietnamese
Size: 14.5cm x 5.2cm
Dynasty: Nguyễn Dynasty
Date: ca. early 19th century
Material: Glazed porcelain / stoneware
Decoration: Underglaze cobalt-blue floral and scrolling motifs
Condition: Age-related wear, small rim chips and losses, glaze imperfections and extensive marine encrustation consistent with shipwreck recovery.