Ancient treasures unearthed from the sea on display after 500 years

More than 300 precious ancient artifacts discovered off the Vietnamese coast have been unveiled for public viewing since the launch of a special exhibition at the Thua Thien Hue Revolution History Museum, open since June 3rd and lasting through June 15th.
The pieces, found off the coast from Thua Thien Hue to Ca Mau, are remnants of the long-lost cargo of six ships loaded with Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese ceramic goods, most likely sunk between the 15th and 18th centuries.
Bearing the slogan “Echoes from the Ocean,” the display was co-organised by the Thua Thien Hue Revolution History Museum, the Ho Chi Minh City History Museum and UNESCO Club. The exhibition is one of several activities that will take place to mark the Hue Festival 2010 and the Thousand-Year-Anniversary of Thang Long – Hanoi.
The recovered objects include many everyday utensils made of various materials like ceramic, stone, metal, and wood. The majority are porcelain pieces with origins in 15th- to 18th-century China, France, Japan, Thailand and Vietnam.
Mr. Cao Huy Hung, Curator of the Thua Thien Hue Revolution History Museum, commented, “These ancient objects reflect a history of trade development and cultural exchange between Vietnam and other countries. They contributed in part to the integration of Vietnamese culture into various cultures worldwide. This proves that even today a number of ancient artifacts and invaluable cultural resources remain undiscovered beneath Vietnamese territorial waters. They are the belongings of Vietnam.”
Following appear photographs of the ancient artifacts, preserved for over 500 years by the high pressure and salinity of the sea water.

Cups, bowls, and vases from the 15th century

Three Vietnamese teapots

Set of plates with well-preserved patterns

Ancient jars

Porcelain lamp base cling by coral

Ancient bowl with fossilised coral

Unique artifact formed by ceramic pieces fused together in a fire aboard an 18th century Chinese merchant ship

Iron lamp showing discoloration from the salt water

Porcelain statue of Quan Binh, which belongs to a set of statues of Quan Van Truong, Quan Binh, and Chau Xuong

Ceramic statue of an elephant from the 14th century

Two stone tigers showing well-preserved, vivid colors

Statue of a Mandarin on horseback

Ceramic pot from the B.C. era, considered to be extremely rare and precious

Metal piece with carved text