Jeddah: The 'Sunken Treasures: The Maritime Heritage of the Red Sea' exhibition in Jeddah offers a renewed perspective on maritime history. Held at the Red Sea Museum in Al-Balad, the exhibition draws on a rich collection of archaeological discoveries that reflect deep cultural and commercial interaction across the Red Sea. At its core is a striking selection of Chinese porcelain, highlighting long-standing networks of exchange between East and West.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the exhibition features artifacts recovered from the 18th-century Umluj shipwreck. Chinese porcelain stands out as one of its most significant components, underscoring the cultural and commercial value of these wares. Excavations uncovered 134 nearly complete cups and 479 ceramic fragments. All belong to small vessels used for drinking tea and coffee, offering insight into consumption patterns linked to trade flows during that period.
The collection reveals notable diversity in design and artistic expression. It is divided into three main categories: monochrome blue-glazed cups, Batavia cups associated with Dutch East India Company trade, and blue-and-white Qinghua porcelain. The Qinghua pieces are distinguished by floral, natural, and symbolic motifs. These include peony and bamboo patterns, as well as abstract designs such as the 'flaming wheel' motif.
This artistic and technical variety reflects extensive maritime trade networks linking East Asia with Red Sea ports. These routes passed through commercial hubs in the Indian Ocean before reaching regional markets. Comparative archaeological studies show clear similarities between the Umluj shipwreck ceramics and cargoes from other historical vessels. This enhances understanding of trade dynamics during that era.
'Sunken Treasures' runs until May 29, 2026, offering a cultural and educational experience through underwater archaeological discoveries that illuminate the history of navigation and cultural exchange. The exhibition is developed in cooperation with the Heritage Commission. It highlights the role of cultural institutions in documenting and preserving maritime heritage while presenting it through modern museological approaches that bridge scientific research and storytelling. These efforts reinforce awareness of this legacy as a living part of national memory.