Song Dynasty Terracotta Wine Pot | Shipwreck Artifact from Balabac Island | Circa 960–1279 CE
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Song Dynasty Terracotta Wine Pot | Shipwreck Artifact from Balabac Island | Circa 960–1279 CE
Description
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Historical Context & Origin
Region: China, discovered near Balabac Island, Philippines
Material: Terracotta with marine encrustations
Period: Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE)
Description
This rare terracotta wine pot, dating back to the Song Dynasty, was recovered near Balabac Island in the Philippines—an important hub of the ancient maritime trade routes. Likely part of a long-lost shipwreck cargo, this vessel provides a direct link to the thriving exchange between China and Southeast Asia more than a thousand years ago. Its form is typical of Song utilitarian wares, featuring a wide mouth for easy filling, a rounded body for stability, and a slender spout for controlled pouring. The marine calcification covering the surface testifies to its centuries-long submersion, adding to its authenticity and historic character.
Features
- Wide mouth and gracefully curved body for balance and function
- Slender pouring spout designed for controlled serving
- Surface encrustations and calcification from centuries underwater
- Classic Song Dynasty utilitarian style, reflecting daily life and trade traditions
- Shipwreck provenance from maritime trade routes near the Philippines
Cultural Significance
The Song Dynasty was a golden age of Chinese ceramics, innovation, and international commerce. Chinese pottery was highly prized across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, carried by fleets that plied the South China Sea and Indian Ocean. Balabac Island, strategically located at the crossroads of these routes, was a key waypoint for ships transporting porcelain, silk, and luxury goods. Shipwreck artifacts such as this wine pot highlight the reach of Chinese craftsmanship and its enduring role in shaping global trade and cultural exchange.
Condition
Preserved in excavated condition with heavy marine calcification and encrustations. Stable form, with strong evidence of long-term underwater burial, enhancing authenticity as a shipwreck relic.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Height: 7.6 in
Age (Approximate)
746–1,065 years old
Description
Historical Context & Origin
Region: China, discovered near Balabac Island, Philippines
Material: Terracotta with marine encrustations
Period: Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE)
Description
This rare terracotta wine pot, dating back to the Song Dynasty, was recovered near Balabac Island in the Philippines—an important hub of the ancient maritime trade routes. Likely part of a long-lost shipwreck cargo, this vessel provides a direct link to the thriving exchange between China and Southeast Asia more than a thousand years ago. Its form is typical of Song utilitarian wares, featuring a wide mouth for easy filling, a rounded body for stability, and a slender spout for controlled pouring. The marine calcification covering the surface testifies to its centuries-long submersion, adding to its authenticity and historic character.
Features
- Wide mouth and gracefully curved body for balance and function
- Slender pouring spout designed for controlled serving
- Surface encrustations and calcification from centuries underwater
- Classic Song Dynasty utilitarian style, reflecting daily life and trade traditions
- Shipwreck provenance from maritime trade routes near the Philippines
Cultural Significance
The Song Dynasty was a golden age of Chinese ceramics, innovation, and international commerce. Chinese pottery was highly prized across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, carried by fleets that plied the South China Sea and Indian Ocean. Balabac Island, strategically located at the crossroads of these routes, was a key waypoint for ships transporting porcelain, silk, and luxury goods. Shipwreck artifacts such as this wine pot highlight the reach of Chinese craftsmanship and its enduring role in shaping global trade and cultural exchange.
Condition
Preserved in excavated condition with heavy marine calcification and encrustations. Stable form, with strong evidence of long-term underwater burial, enhancing authenticity as a shipwreck relic.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Height: 7.6 in
Age (Approximate)
746–1,065 years old
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