This Ming Dynasty blue and white dish, recovered from a centuries-old shipwreck, tells a story of global trade, artistry, and lost voyages. Its central design features a bold, stylized lion—depicted with swirling fur and a dynamic pose—symbolizing strength and protection in Chinese culture. Surrounding motifs, painted in deep cobalt blue, reflect the mastery of Ming porcelain artisans, whose work was highly sought after across Asia and Europe.
Originally produced for export, dishes like this were packed into ships bound for distant markets, where they adorned the tables of merchants, nobility, and collectors. Submerged for centuries, the dish now bears the marks of time—its glaze softened by the sea, yet its beauty and craftsmanship still unmistakable. A rare survivor of both artistic tradition and maritime history, it offers a tangible connection to the thriving trade networks of the Ming Dynasty.
Condition: glaze is smooth from submersion in seawater
