On the occasion of the May 18 International Museum Day, an exhibition featuring more than 400 relics retrieved from two ancient shipwrecks discovered in the South China Sea has been helping the visitors better understand how ancient "Made in China" goods reached the rest of the world.
Located at the China (Hainan) Museum of the South China Sea in Qionghai City of south China's tropical island province of Hainan, the exhibition is showcasing more than the 400 artifacts which had been submerged in the sea for over 500 years at a depth of more than 1,500 meters.
Curator Xin Lixue said the collection of high-grade cultural relics is substantial in size, diverse in variety, and well-preserved. He said the exhibition aims to show the prosperity of the Maritime Silk Road in ancient China and exchanges between Chinese and foreign civilizations.
These archaeological discoveries prove that Jingdezhen colored porcelain was exported in the middle of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The two ancient shipwrecks from the Ming Dynasty were discovered near the northwest continental slope in the South China Sea in October 2022.
Jingdezhen is a prefecture-level city in east China's Jiangxi Province. It is known as the "Porcelain Capital" because it has been producing Chinese ceramics for at least 1,000 years. The city has a well-documented history that stretches back over 2,000 years.
Xin said 138 underwater heritage sites have now been found in the South China Sea, highlighting the richness of ancient maritime trade and cultural exchange.
One example is a type of water vessel on display, which was inspired by vessels from India, crafted with Chinese blue-and-white porcelain techniques and patterns, and then exported to Southeast Asia.
The most eye-catching exhibit is a Fahua-colored porcelain, which marks the first archaeological discovery of the porcelain type in a shipwreck.
"The lion motif came to China with Buddhism during the Eastern Han Dynasty. Over time, it was reshaped -- gentle, auspicious and beloved -- now a part of Chinese tradition. This reflects the inclusive nature of Chinese culture," said Xin while introducing the exhibit.
A large dish designed for Arab traders fit their custom of communal dining, while its decoration was purely Chinese.
"Arab families sit in circles to eat, with food in the center and sauces around. This plate suits that perfectly," Xin said.
Xin said new tools and techniques will help uncover more relics and stories deep in the sea.
Exploring "Made in China" through museum of South China Sea
