Five tea bowls, which have been salvaged from the Tek Sing, each decorated with aster sprays within a dot-dash line and featuring rims with a narrow band of dots between two parallel lines.
Period : Qing Dynasty(1644-1911)
Type : Teabowl
Primary Material : Porcelain
Found/Acquired : Southeast Asia , South China Sea, Tek Sing Cargo
Dimension : 4cm(Height) x 7.5cm (Diameter)
Condition : Excellent (Slightly worn due to sea salt. Overall, it is clean and intact.)
Reference : Double checked with reference to the original catalogues
1) Nagel Auctions Tek Sing Treasures auction catalogue, sale date 17th November 2000.
* Tek Sing Cargo
The Tek Sing, known as "True Star," was a large Chinese ocean-going vessel that embarked on a voyage in 1822, navigating the South China Sea near the Belvidere Shoal in the Gaspar Strait between the Indonesian islands of Bangka and Belitung. It was transporting a rich cargo of porcelain goods, silk, spices, and other trade items, along with a significant number of passengers who were seeking new opportunities in Southeast Asia, highlighting its role in the cultural and trade exchanges of the era.
The vessel's journey took a critical turn when attempting to navigate through a shortcut. The following day, a British East India Company ship came to the aid of those on board, showcasing a moment of maritime solidarity.
In 1999, the site of the Tek Sing was rediscovered by salvor Michael Hatcher and his team, unveiling an extraordinary collection of early 19th-century Chinese porcelain and other artifacts. These findings have provided invaluable insights into the historical trade routes and cultural interactions between China and Southeast Asia. The rediscovery of the Tek Sing has enriched our understanding of maritime history, celebrating the vessel's significance in global trade and cultural exchange.
