Pale Clay Sung Dynasty Mercury Storage Vessel
Pale Clay Sung Dynasty Mercury Storage Vessel
Shaped during the Song Dynasty, these pale clay storage vessels were originally created as utilitarian containers, most commonly associated with the storage and transportation of mercury. Their distinctive funnel form reflects the practical needs of the period, allowing for controlled pouring and careful handling of valuable materials used in medicine, metallurgy and early scientific practices. Remarkably, these vessels were recovered from shipwreck sites in the Java Sea, evidence of the thriving maritime trade network that connected China with Southeast Asia during the medieval period. Each piece therefore, represents not only ancient craftsmanship but also the dynamic movement of goods, ideas and innovation across oceans.
Every vessel is unique, bearing surface markings, sediment deposits and timeworn irregularities that resulted from centuries underwater. These variations are not flaws, but historical signatures - subtle traces of the vessel’s journey, burial and rediscovery. They create a powerful sense of authenticity and make each example individual.
The soft, pale clay and pared-back silhouette give the vessels a surprisingly contemporary presence, sitting comfortably within minimalist, wabi-sabi or curated modern interiors. Displayed singly as a sculptural object or grouped together, they introduce texture, history and a quiet sense of archaeological poetry to a space.
- Period: Sung Dynasty (960–1279 AD)
- Origin: China
- Material: Hand-thrown earthenware
- Colour: Pale stone, warm clay, soft natural mineral tones
- Finish: Naturally aged with light patina and surface wear
- Character: Subtle wheel-thrown rings, historical marks, and unique imperfections
- Condition: Authentic antique condition with age-related wear
- Use: Decorative only (not watertight)
Dimensions
Select from width options, 10cm-11cm or 12cm-13cm,
The vessel heights vary between 16cm and 19cm.
Why not explore our unique collection of Antique Homewares? Please click here
To keep up-to-date with new product arrivals visit Instagram to see all our latest stories
Please note - our Marlow showroom does not contain our full inventory and therefore some items are not displayed in-store.
Original: $185.00
-65%$185.00
$64.75
Description
Pale Clay Sung Dynasty Mercury Storage Vessel
Shaped during the Song Dynasty, these pale clay storage vessels were originally created as utilitarian containers, most commonly associated with the storage and transportation of mercury. Their distinctive funnel form reflects the practical needs of the period, allowing for controlled pouring and careful handling of valuable materials used in medicine, metallurgy and early scientific practices. Remarkably, these vessels were recovered from shipwreck sites in the Java Sea, evidence of the thriving maritime trade network that connected China with Southeast Asia during the medieval period. Each piece therefore, represents not only ancient craftsmanship but also the dynamic movement of goods, ideas and innovation across oceans.
Every vessel is unique, bearing surface markings, sediment deposits and timeworn irregularities that resulted from centuries underwater. These variations are not flaws, but historical signatures - subtle traces of the vessel’s journey, burial and rediscovery. They create a powerful sense of authenticity and make each example individual.
The soft, pale clay and pared-back silhouette give the vessels a surprisingly contemporary presence, sitting comfortably within minimalist, wabi-sabi or curated modern interiors. Displayed singly as a sculptural object or grouped together, they introduce texture, history and a quiet sense of archaeological poetry to a space.
- Period: Sung Dynasty (960–1279 AD)
- Origin: China
- Material: Hand-thrown earthenware
- Colour: Pale stone, warm clay, soft natural mineral tones
- Finish: Naturally aged with light patina and surface wear
- Character: Subtle wheel-thrown rings, historical marks, and unique imperfections
- Condition: Authentic antique condition with age-related wear
- Use: Decorative only (not watertight)
Dimensions
Select from width options, 10cm-11cm or 12cm-13cm,
The vessel heights vary between 16cm and 19cm.
Why not explore our unique collection of Antique Homewares? Please click here
To keep up-to-date with new product arrivals visit Instagram to see all our latest stories
Please note - our Marlow showroom does not contain our full inventory and therefore some items are not displayed in-store.
