This small globular teapot has a loop handle which has almost completely broken off and has no footrim. It features continuous floral scrolls on the body in underglaze blue. Small teapots such as this were commonly used by the Dutch who served their tea to their guests in individual teapots. Bigger teapots only developed in the 18th century.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.
