Annamese Stoneware Miniature Vase and Jar, Hoi An Hoard, Late 15th Century, Le Dynasty
Annamese Stoneware Miniature Vase and Jar, Hoi An Hoard, Late 15th Century, Le Dynasty
These ceramics feature finely detailed depictions of birds and cloud motifs using underglaze blue, showcasing an elegant and refined design. The vase portrays a bird in mid-flight, with smooth, flowing lines that capture the bird’s graceful movement. The wings and body are depicted with a natural fluidity, evoking a sense of freedom as the bird soars. Surrounding the bird are simple yet delicate branches, enhancing the naturalistic feel of the scene.
On the jar and its lid, cloud and bird motifs are intricately painted. The cloud patterns swirl gently around the surface, adding a soft rhythm and sense of elegance. On the lid, birds are positioned facing each other, creating a harmonious and balanced composition. The clouds surrounding the birds give the impression of them flying through the sky, contributing to the overall lightness and dynamic energy of the design.
Region : North Annam(Vietnam)
Type : Waterdropper(Grey-blue underglaze)
Origin : Annam (Vietnam), recovered presumably from the Hoi An ship
Dimension : Vase - 11cm(Height) x 3cm(Mouth Diameter) / Jar - 8.5cm(Height) x 6cm(Diameter)
Condition : Good(Minor cracks on jar and its cover)
Reference : Double checked with reference to the original catalogue
1) Butterfield Treasures Hoi An Hoard Auction Catalogs / San Francisco Butterfields 2000
2) Asian Ceramic Found along Maritime Silk Route / National Maritime Museum of Korea
3) Vietnamese Ceramics Miniatures / Catalogue of the exhibition in Zurich Sep 1989 Switzerland (Collection of Ulrich J. Beck)
* Vietnamese trade ceramics
Around the mid-14th century, Vietnam developed its ceramics production technology by producing blue and white porcelain, and began to export it overseas. During this period, China Ming Dynasty implemented a policy of lifting the ban from 1371 to 1657 and restricted foreign trade. This served as a good opportunity in the trade history of Vietnamese ceramics, and ceramic exports boomed from the late 15th to the 16th century, expanding sales channels not only to Southeast Asia but also to Japan, the Middle East, and several European countries.
During 15~16th century, Vietnam's international trade policy became much more liberal than in the past. In northern Vietnam, commerce became more active as markets were formed around ports, riverine ports, and handicraft villages. This led to the emergence of many large commercial centers such as Phố Hiến, Thăng Long and Hội An.
Through this, Vietnam's international trade and economy also grew significantly. In the above commercial area, stores of European merchants from the Netherlands, England, France, and Portugal were opened and operated. Merchants from many countries around the world entered Vietnam and engaged in intermediate trade.