The Chinese “Ming Bowl” found in Armenia

This bronze bowl was found by a farmer near the city of Gyumri, Armenia. It was created during the
reign of the Chinese Xuande Emperor (1399-1435 CE, reigned from 1425 to 1435 CE) of Ming
Dynasty (1368-1644 CE).

The inscription in Chinese “年製宣德大明” ( pinyin “Nián zhì Xuāndé dàmíng”) says “Made during
the reign of Xuande of Great Ming”. The artifact is visual evidence of the Armenian-Chinese socio-
cultural ties developed through the Silk Road international trade routes.

Photo courtesy: Ruben Giney