This miniature bulbous vase with underglaze blue decorations was part of a sizable cargo of Chinese export ceramics and porcelains uncovered from a late 17th century shipwreck near Vung Tau, Vietnam. Less than ten cm in height, vases such as this are referred to as ‘doll’s house’ porcelains. It was fashionable for wealthy Dutch ladies to have miniature furniture made to furnish the rooms of a model house. These doll’s houses were extremely expensive and were regarded as luxurious items to be proudly displayed for friends and visitors. 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.
