Blue and white ceramic.
Height: 56.5cm; 23.8cm at mouth; 25.8cm at base.
15th – 16th century AD. (Le So dynasty).
This artefact is the biggest jar recovered from an offshore shipwreck near Cu Lao Cham Island (Hoi An, Quang Nam, 1999 - 2000). It was made in the Chua Dau pottery (Hai Duong province) and reflects the peak of Vietnamese ceramic art during the Le So period. It is a large vase with skillful decoration, reflecting the high level of creative skill achieved by the Dai Viet people during the Le So dynasty. This is high glazed pottery vessel of a type produced for royal use and export.
The vase has the typical characteristics of blue and white glazed ceramic ware of the 15th century. It has a cylindrical shape, a wide edge along the mouth, bulging shoulder and tapering shape towards the base. The vase is glazed with shining blue and white colours. The decorations from top to bottom include 7 patterned bands: floral veins, lotus petals, cloud motifs in gong shapes, bodhi leaves, etc. Its most notable feature is the unique central decoration band depicting four swans in striking poses. No comparable item of this period has thus far been found in either Vietnam or China.
This fine artefact, together with other items found in Cu Lao Cham, provides vivid evidence of the high level of pottery making achieved by the Dai Viet people, as well as the active maritime life and commerce of the 15th – 16th centuries.
Dương Hà