Ding Tea Ewer

Divers recovered this Yue ware teapot from the Cirebon / Nan-Han shipwreck. Roughly 65% of the ship's cargo consisted of Chinese ceramics, which were China's most valuable maritime export during the 10th and 11th centuries CE. Potters in Zhejiang province, part of the coastal kingdom of Wuyue (907–978 CE), produced Yue ware that traders shipped across Asia and the Middle East and as far as East Africa. 

Large-scale production of Yue ware began in the 9th century CE. By the 10th century CE, under the Song dynasty (960–1279 CE), exports reached their peak. The dynasty supplied vast amounts to satisfy overseas demand.

This early porcelain, recognised by its green-glazed celadon colour, shows how Song dynasty manufacturers understood and responded to the needs of international markets.