Chinese Blue and White Export Nanking Cargo Saucer, Circa 1750

This exquisite Chinese blue and white Export Nanking Cargo saucer, dating back to circa 1750, is a remarkable specimen of the rich history of Chinese export porcelain. The saucer features the classic Batavian bamboo and peony pattern, meticulously rendered in underglaze blue. The exterior boasts a sophisticated café-au-lait ground, providing a warm contrast to the cool blue of the interior design.

A testament to its authenticity and historical value, the saucer includes a paper label from the prestigious auction house, Christie’s. It is also accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Spink & Co., further affirming its provenance.

The saucer’s journey is as fascinating as its craftsmanship. On January 3rd, 1752, the Dutch East Indiaman ship Geldermalsen met with a tragic fate, striking a reef in the South China Sea on her return voyage to the Netherlands. The sunken treasure, including this saucer, lay undisturbed until its discovery by Captain Michael Hatcher & Associates in 1985. The recovered cargo was later auctioned by Christie’s Amsterdam in a sale titled ‘The Nanking Cargo, Chinese Export Porcelain and Gold’ from April 28th to May 2nd, 1986, where this piece found its new custodians.

This Nanking Cargo saucer is not just a piece of porcelain; it is a slice of history, encapsulating the tale of maritime trade, a shipwreck’s mystery, and the allure of rediscovered treasure. It stands as a symbol of the cultural exchange between East and West and the enduring appeal of Chinese artistry.

Diameter: 4 1/2 inches (12 cm)

Surrey Antiques have been dealing in and restoring fine furniture since 1982. With over 35 years experience dealing in all types of antique furniture from early oak and walnut to Georgian mahogany and the more exotic timbers such as rosewood and satinwood.

Whilst we deal mostly with mahogany furniture of the Georgian period designed by some of the greatest furniture designers such as Chippendale, Sheraton, Hepplewhite and Adam we also have a very good in depth knowledge of all the main periods of English furniture design from early oak to Regency and Victorian.