China recently announced the excavation of a late Qing Dynasty shipwreck (dated to the reign of Emperor Tongzhi, 1862-1875), one of the largest and best-preserved wooden shipwrecks discovered underwater in China to date, whose cargo included Jingdezhen ceramics. It will be known as the Yangtze No. 2 Ancient Shipwreck.
According to archaeological investigations, the ship is about 38.1 meters long and 9.9 meters wide. It had 31 compartments loaded with cultural relics including Jingdezhen porcelains. Relics such as purple clay pottery and building materials were also uncovered in and around the shipwreck. Archaeologists believe its excavation will contribute to the studies of ceramic and economic history during the Qing Dynasty.
