ANNAMESE STONEWARE WITH COBALT UNDERGLAZE BLUE, HOI AN HOARD, LATE 15TH CENTURY, LE DYNASTY

At the center of the vase, a bird is depicted with clean yet detailed lines, capturing the moment mid-flight with a sense of dynamic energy. The artist skillfully conveys the bird’s vitality with minimal strokes, creating the impression that it could soar into the sky at any moment.

Though there are no explicit branches or leaves, the flowing curves of the background subtly connect the bird with the natural world. The simplicity of the lines creates a harmonious relationship between the bird and its environment, reflecting the artist’s ability to evoke nature without relying on intricate details.

The neck of the vase is adorned with elegant plant motifs, where stems and leaves stretch upward, complementing the overall shape of the vase. These motifs, while simple, add sophistication and enhance the vase’s graceful form.

At the base, repeating geometric patterns contribute to the sense of balance and stability. These patterns not only ground the piece but also serve as decorative elements, completing the vase’s aesthetic unity.

Dates : 15th century Le Dynasty
Region : North Annam
Type : Yuhuchun Vase
Found/Acquired : Southeast Asia , South China Sea, Hoi An Ship
Size : 24cm(Height)
Reference :
1) Seattle Art Museum - Gift of Mary and Cheney Cowles, 2000.125.
2) Butterfield Treasures Hoi An Hoard Auction Catalogs / San Francisco Butterfields 2000
3) Asian art museum, San Francisco

* 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.