A VIETNAMESE/ANNAMESE BLUE AND WHITE PORCELAIN COURT OFFICIAL, POSSIBLY LATE 15TH/16TH CENTURY, modeled holding a pear shaped vase, while in a kneeling position and wearing a flat topped cap centering rectangular scrolling decoration alternating vertical line panels, above a mustachioed gently smiling expression and long robes with stylized cloud and scattered blossom details. Note: this figure is virtually identical to a Vietnamese kneeling court official, in form, size and decoration, offered in Butterfield's Hoi An Hoard Sale, lot 1740, October 11-13, 2000, San Francisco and Los Angeles. It is interesting to note that out of the 300,000 items excavated from this 15th century shipwreck, only three intact blue and white figures of this type were found. The origin of the ceramic cargo was from kilns located located in Chu DAu, or surrounding vicinity. This is a hamlet on the Thai Binh river in the Red river Delta, about 18 miles northwest of the city of Hai Duong. Height: 11"

Normal marine archaeological excavation condition with surface buildup, discolorations, barnacle encrustations, dulled surface from salt water and environment exposure, minor small surface marks and scratches,

Simpson Galleries strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Simpson Galleries regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Simpson Galleries. All lots offered are sold "AS IS."