Source: CCTV.com

10-22-2008 08:56

Spectacular porcelains salvaged from an ancient Chinese merchant ship are on display in Hangzhou. "Nanhai One," or "South China Sea One" captured the nation's imagination when it was raised from the depths of the sea in December, 2007. The ship was laden with fine Chinese porcelain manufactured 800 years ago.

The exhibition is at the museum of the Southern Song Imperial kiln in Hangzhou, the capital of eastern China's Zhejiang Province. The exhibition runs until the end of November.
The exhibition is at the museum of the Southern Song Imperial
kiln in Hangzhou, the capital of eastern China's Zhejiang 
Province. The exhibition runs until the end of November.

For the first time, visitors were able to appreciate the fine works, lost at sea during the height of China's maritime trade centuries ago.

Like many sunken wrecks, "Nanhai One" proved a treasure trove. More than four thousand gold, silver and porcelain artifacts, and six thousand copper coins from the Southern Song Dynasty were salvaged. Experts estimate Nanhai One contained more than eighty thousand valuable relics.

The exhibition is at the museum of the Southern Song Imperial kiln in Hangzhou, the capital of eastern China's Zhejiang Province. The exhibition runs until the end of November.
The exhibition is at the museum of the 
Southern Song Imperial kiln in Hangzhou, 
the capital of eastern China's Zhejiang 
Province. The exhibition runs until the 
end of November.

The Southern Song Dynasty marked the first high point of China's porcelain industry. Products were exported to east, south and west Asia. They traveled as far as the east coast of Africa. Those who owned porcelain in those days were seen as holding status.

The exhibition is at the museum of the Southern Song Imperial kiln in Hangzhou, the capital of eastern China's Zhejiang Province. The exhibition runs until the end of November.