• Sunken treasure: Record 2,350 Yuan Dynasty ceramics found in ancient shipwreck Among the debris, researchers identified over 2,350 pieces of rare blue-and-white porcelain produced during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). • Marine archaeologists have recovered a massive collection of 14th-century ceramics from the first ancient shipwreck ever discovered in Singapore’s waters. • The vessel, formally identified as the “Temasek Wreck,” has produced the largest quantity of rare Yuan Dynasty blue-and-white porcelain ever discovered in a recorded shipwreck. • The findings provide physical evidence that Singapore-then known as Temasek-played an important role in global maritime trade long before British colonization in 1819. • A record-breaking cargo The excavation, led by Dr. • Michael Flecker of HeritageSG and the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, recovered about 3.5 tons of ceramic fragments near Pedra Branca, a rocky area at the eastern entrance of the Singapore Strait.

Article Summaries:

  • A marine excavation near Pedra Branca uncovered the “Temasek Wreck,” a 14th‑century Chinese junk that carried the largest known cargo of Yuan‑Dynasty blue‑and‑white porcelain-over 2,350 pieces-along with Longquan celadon, Jingdezhen qingbai, and other regional wares. The haul, recovered by HeritageSG and the ISEAS‑Yusof Ishak Institute, suggests that the vessel departed Quanzhou between 1340 and 1352 and was destined for Temasek (modern Singapore), indicating the port’s early role in maritime trade. The artifacts are being desalinated and conserved by the National Heritage Board for future display in Singapore’s museums.

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