White glazed cosmetics box, Song dynasty – Jepara wreck

Description

Rare Song dynasty cosmetics box from Jepara wreckage, a unique Chinese porcelain gem (10th-12th century) with white glaze and elegant ribbed decor.

Origin & meaning
This cosmetics box is a fine example of Northern Song ceramics and was kept at sea for centuries. Such boxes were used in the Song period to store ointment or powder, and reflect the refined lifestyle at court. This specimen comes from the Jepara wreck, found in the Java Sea off Indonesia. The wreck contained a large cargo of Song porcelain, destined for trade in Southeast Asia. Centuries of immersion in seawater caused characteristic discolouration and traces of corrosion, underlining the authenticity and uniqueness of each piece.

Dimensions & condition
Diameter 9 cm, height 4 cm.
Small chips and light discolouration due to seawater, otherwise in good condition considering age and context.

Product photographs show the object on offer exactly as photographed. Any interior images are AI-generated impressions, included solely to illustrate scale and presentation.