Batam wreck

The wreck of this small ship is located near the Indonesian Island of Batam, about 100 meters from the coast. It could be of Indonesian origin and used for inter-Island trading in the early 17^th century. This wreck is an important source referring to Swatow wares that were produced during the Wanli period (1572-1620 AD).

Its cargo contained blue and white Chinese ceramics: big plates with the single phoenix motif, bowls with floral, lion or horse motif and a large variety of cover boxes with horse, hare or dragon motif. The overglaze enamels on the exterior has for some of the wares suffered substantial degradation and only traces remain. Those decorations are likely dated to around 1600-1620 AD.