This blue and white square vase with rounded sides has a flaring mouth and a long neck. This shape can be traced back to Chinese bronzes. It is decorated with floral motifs on four sides in underglaze blue. This vase is produced in Jingdezhen, the best known ceramic production area in China, where export wares catering to South-east Asian, European and Middle Eastern tastes were made.This piece was part of a sizable cargo of Chinese export ceramics and porcelain uncovered from a late 17th century shipwreck near Vung Tau, Vietnam. Sunk on the way to Batavia from China, the cargo on this ship would have eventually made it way to the European market where Chinese ceramics were popular and much valued. Although expensive, porcelain became the fashion among the class of new rich merchants and bourgeoisie in Europe.
