Large areas of the South China Sea are surveyed to find information about the past. Once shipwreck sites have been identified, they are meticulously excavated to gather as much information as possible. The site is mapped, and any antiques, porcelain, pottery and artifacts are carefully recovered, curated and studied in collaboration with the Malaysian Department of Museums and Antiquities.

The Museum retains a representative set of these items. Remaining items are sold in order to recover some of the investment into the excavation with the view to funding future investigations that would certainly uncover further untold stories hidden beneath the sea.

Wanli kraakware attached to hardened clay encrusted with shells

Dating shipwreck ceramics

Shipwrecks that remain undisturbed on the seabed provide vital information about the past. All objects onboard are usually contemporary products dating to a few years before the ship`s sinking. This dated assembly of shipwreck pottery, legally and properly excavated, gives confidence to historians and collectors of rare ceramics.

Nanhai Marine Archaeology dates its shipwreck artifacts using a combination of scientific dating methods, cross references to other shipwrecks, and research into the stylistic and technical development of the recovered ceramics. This information is vital for credible museum displays. Consequently, the company has been given "the best possible provenance" status by a number of international museums.

A delicate beauty, a rare Wanli deer bowl and a Limited Edition deer pendant

In working with Nanhai Marine Archaeology, we have complete confidence that all items in our collection are completely authentic. In addition, there is also the tantalising possibility that our collection will expand in the future to include other historic shipwrecks yet to be discovered!