Porcelain Tradeware from Gujangan Shipwreck
Found in the late 1990s at Gujangan Island, Sulu
Circa 16th century
By Raenalene T. Lasaten
Before answering the questions and providing information regarding the porcelain ware, I wish to
share a cool personal story of my chosen art piece. During my travel in Davao City, we went to the National
Museum of Davao, that has an interesting durian shape structure, there were many artifacts and art pieces
that were on exhibit but one artifact caught my interest and attention, which are porcelain wares from a
shipwreck discovered in the islands of Sulu. The porcelain pieces were found from a 16th century
common era shipwreck that sunk off in Gujangan Island, Sulu. The shipwreck was accidentally
discovered in the late 1990s by deep sea fisherman using his hookah system, also known as
compressor diving.
According to the publication of the Philippine National Museum. Base on the decorations, the
historical ceramic piece dates back to the early 16th century production in Jiangxi and Fujian provinces
in China, possibly during the reign of Emperor Zhengde from year 1505-1521.The ceramics are produced
by the Minyao or people Kilns of Jiangxi and Fujian provinces in China. The ceramic is made for
the use of the common people and low-quality export product during the ancient China.
The artifacts simply reflect the long-shared trade history between China and Philippines. Thus,
these trades of products influence the culture of Philippines and China, visible on our daily use of Ceramics
as well their use of our spices in their cuisines.