Author: Pornnatcha Sankhaprasit
Sankhaprasit, Pornnatcha, 2021 Chinese ceramics from the Phanom-Surin Shipwreck, Thailand. Evidence for maritime trade between China and the Indian Ocean region before the 10th Century AD, Flinders University, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
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Long-distance maritime trade flourished between China and the Indian Ocean region during the ninth and 10th centuries AD. Archaeological and historical research have revealed several ancient entrepôts in Southeast Asia that were significant passageways for ships engaged in this trade; however, the research contained only a limited number of shipwrecks. Shipwrecks discovered in Indonesian waters testify to the rise of these maritime connections, with ships built using ligature fastenings transporting cargos dominated by Chinese ceramics. The latest witness to this phenomenon, the Phanom-Surin shipwreck, was discovered in 2013 and since has been excavated archaeologically. The wide variety of ceramics recovered from its hull attest to the preferred merchandise at the time of the ship’s sinking.
The Phanom-Surin ceramic assemblage includes green-glazed and dark brown sherds with interesting characteristics, which are the subject of this study. This research aims to identify the origin of these artefacts and to determine their function on board the vessel. Results from this work could help date the vessel and provide insights into regional consumption. Initial examination included morphological and stylistic investigations of the ceramics. The stylistic analysis and pottery assemblage are used to determine typology. This is assisted by a comparative approach applied to other relevant collections, especially those from contemporaneous shipwreck sites.
The Phanom-Surin shipwreck contained roughly fifteen green-glazed ceramic vessels of various sizes and a single dark brown unglazed jar. Both types exhibit attributes linking their manufacture to southern China during the Tang dynasty (618–906 AD). These jars have been found on numerous archaeological sites in the western Indian Ocean region and in Southeast Asia, and also have been recovered from several shipwrecks in the Java Sea. Based on their production, quantity and contents, it is determined that these ceramics were utilitarian in nature and were admired by both local and international merchants.
Keywords: Phanom-Surin Shipwreck, Chinese Ceramic, 10th Century AD, Tang Dynasty, Southeast Asia
Subject: Archaeology thesis
Thesis type: Masters
Completed: 2021
School: College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
Supervisor: Wendy van Duivenvoorde