Beneath the waves off the coast of Wenzhou lie stories of centuries past, now resurfacing through the discovery of three intriguing shipwrecks. These submerged vessels, spanning from the Southern Song Dynasty to the early 20th century, offer a captivating glimpse into the maritime history of the region. The chinadaily news source.
- Wenzhou’s submerged shipwrecks reveal maritime history from Southern Song to early 20th century.
- Longquan celadons emerge as globally coveted treasures, echoing Wenzhou’s trade prominence.
- Lacquerware workshops in Wenzhou during the Song Dynasty highlight city’s artistic and trade influence.
Historical Significance
Recent discoveries of three shipwrecks off the coast of Wenzhou have unveiled a captivating chapter of maritime history. These sunken vessels, spanning from the Southern Song Dynasty to the early 20th century, offer a glimpse into the region’s vibrant maritime past.
The Legacy of Ancient Chinese Seafaring
Among the shipwrecks, the No 1 wreck, a fuchuan or Fujian vessel, hailing from the Southern Song Dynasty, has drawn particular attention. This cargo vessel, with its intriguing contents of coins and bottles, shines light on Wenzhou’s role as a bustling maritime hub during that era.
A Bridge to the World
Longquan celadons, prized for their exquisite craftsmanship, take center stage among the artifacts discovered. These celadons, produced at the Longquan kiln in Zhejiang, were not only significant locally but also held global appeal, making them one of the earliest Chinese commodities to captivate international markets.
Lacquerware and Maritime Trade
Wenzhou’s maritime influence extended beyond ceramics, as lacquerware emerged as another notable export. During the Song Dynasty, the city thrived as a hub for lacquerware workshops, imprinting its name on the map as a center of exquisite craftsmanship and trade.
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Source-chinadaily
