Chinese Ceramic Ewer
Jingdezhen, Jiangxi Province, China, 15th to 16th Centuries
The Brunei Darussalam Maritime Museum
This exquisite Chinese ewer, believed to date to the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) was salvaged from the Brunei shipwreck in 1997. It is characterised by its inverted heart shape on both sides, slender neck, and thin spout, demonstrating the high skill of craftsmen from Jingdezhen, Jiangxi Province, China. The production of this ewer reflects advanced firing techniques that yield a high-quality ceramic finish without elaborate ornamentation or carving.
The ewer evidences the maritime trade routes of the 15th and 16th centuries, reflecting the development of maritime commerce during the reign of the early 16th century Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Bolkiah. The ewer's rarity, aesthetic appeal, and excellent preservation suggest it may have been part of a collection or a gift for an envoy.
Catalogue Number: BRU 8750
Material: Ceramic, glass
Dimensions: Height 19.5 cm, Width 16 cm, Diameter 7 cm