Porcelain and pepper from the VOC trading ship the Witte Leeuw by niet van toepassing

Porcelain and pepper from the VOC trading ship the Witte Leeuw before 1613

3d sculpting

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sculpture

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unrealistic statue

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stoneware

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curved surface

nature closeup

This piece of volcanic rock, dating back to before 1613, was found on board the VOC trading ship the Witte Leeuw. It is a reminder of the vast distances travelled by Dutch ships in the early modern period, and the diverse materials they brought back to Europe. The porous texture and dark color of the rock provide a tangible connection to the natural world encountered by these early explorers, showcasing the interconnectedness of trade and scientific discovery. The rock is currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, a testament to the Dutch fascination with global exploration and its material manifestations.

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rijksmuseum over 1 year ago

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The Dutch East India Company (VOC) brought costly Asian goods to the Netherlands. Sometimes a ship would sink underway, as did the Witte Leeuw in 1613. In addition to porcelain – intact pieces as well as shards – the remains of a load of pepper were recovered in 1976. Some pieces of porcelain have fused together with pieces of wreckage and the seabed. The delicate white wine cup became attached to a piece of iron among the shells.