This saucer, with underglaze blue decorations, features a scene of a scholar and his assistant. It was part of a sizable cargo of Chinese export ceramics and porcelain uncovered from a late 17th century shipwreck near Vung Tau, Vietnam. This saucer most likely came with a matching cup, a popular way of serving tea in Europe. The Chinese had never used saucers when drinking tea, but instead has a covered lid for the teacup. Hence this saucer reflects one of the items that was specifically made to suit the tastes and requirements of Western customers.Although expensive, porcelain became the fashion among the class of new rich merchants and bourgeoisie in Europe who could afford to buy porcelain from far-away China, thus enhancing their status and at the same time, embellishing their tables, cabinets and interiors.
