Salvaged from the bottom of the South China Sea by Captain Michael Hatcher, this Chinese export porcelain butter tub is a testament to the complexity of an object’s movement through time and space. Commissioned from Chinese artisans by traders from the Dutch East India Company, the covered dish was intended to arrive in Northern Europe by way of the Geldermalsen in 1752. After 16 days into its journey, however, the ship crashed into a reef and sank in the South China Sea; the cargo was never delivered. Over two centuries later, Captain Michael Hatcher discovered and salvaged the Geldermalsen’s cargo in a rather cinematic treasure hunt, through which this dish was recovered and finally reached its Dutch destination through a sale at Christie’s Amsterdam.
Salvaged from the bottom of the South China Sea by Captain Michael Hatcher, this Chinese export porcelain butter tub is a testament to the complexity of an object’s movement through time and space. Commissioned from Chinese artisans by traders from the Dutch East India Company, the covered dish was intended to arrive in Northern Europe by way of the Geldermalsen in 1752. After 16 days into its journey, however, the ship crashed into a reef and sank in the South China Sea; the cargo was never delivered. Over two centuries later, Captain Michael Hatcher discovered and salvaged the Geldermalsen’s cargo in a rather cinematic treasure hunt, through which this dish was recovered and finally reached its Dutch destination through a sale at Christie’s Amsterdam.
Condition
Salvaged condition, with one handle missing.
We do not recommend cleaning or restoration, as the current condition speaks to an important stage in this object’s life.
For a detailed condition report, please contact us.
Curator’s Note
This butter tub’s production can be precisely dated to 1750-1751: Chinese porcelains were produced two to three years prior to their export in order to allow plenty of time for the completion of these large custom orders. The Geldermalsen sank in 1752, thus allowing for an estimated production date for its porcelain cargo of two years prior.
Provenance
Collection Mrs Marianne L. Dreesmann-van der Spek, Laren, inv. no J003
Collection Mrs Hetti T.G. von der Gablentz-Blanche Koelensmid, Amsterdam
Amsterdam, Christie’s, The Hatcher Porcelain Cargoes, 28th April 1986, lot 3252b
Salvaged condition, with one handle missing.
We do not recommend cleaning or restoration, as the current condition speaks to an important stage in this object’s life.
For a detailed condition report, please contact us.
This butter tub’s production can be precisely dated to 1750-1751: Chinese porcelains were produced two to three years prior to their export in order to allow plenty of time for the completion of these large custom orders. The Geldermalsen sank in 1752, thus allowing for an estimated production date for its porcelain cargo of two years prior.
Collection Mrs Marianne L. Dreesmann-van der Spek, Laren, inv. no J003
Collection Mrs Hetti T.G. von der Gablentz-Blanche Koelensmid, Amsterdam
Amsterdam, Christie’s, The Hatcher Porcelain Cargoes, 28th April 1986, lot 3252b
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