A remarkable discovery at the holy site of Mount Zion has unveiled a tangible link between ancient China and the Land of Israel. Archaeologists from the Israeli Antiquities Authority (IAA), working in conjunction with the Protestant Institute of Archaeology, unearthed a porcelain bowl bearing the oldest known Chinese inscription found in Israel.
The 16th-century bowl, likely produced during the Ming Dynasty (1520-1570), features an inscription that translates to "Forever we will guard the eternal spring." Its discovery was serendipitous, with an excavator noticing the colorful object protruding from the earth during routine site preparation. This unexpected find amidst artifacts primarily dating from the Second Temple period to the Byzantine era underscores the bowl's unique historical significance.
The bowl serves as compelling evidence of the vibrant trade relationship between Imperial China and the Ottoman Empire. While other ancient Chinese pottery has been found in Israel, this is the first instance of a discovered bowl bearing a Chinese inscription. Historical records, including Ming Dynasty annals and merchant travelogues, corroborate the existence of robust trade networks and Chinese merchant communities in key Middle Eastern cities during this period, including Jerusalem.
The discovery's location on Mount Zion adds another layer of intrigue. This site holds deep religious significance for both Christians and Jews. For Christians, it is associated with the Last Supper and holds symbolic importance in the New Testament. For Jews, Mount Zion is revered as the former resting place of the Ark of the Covenant during King David's reign.
IAA Director Eli Escusido expressed his excitement about the find, emphasizing the rarity of discovering such a tangible piece of evidence – a Chinese inscription – that sheds light on historical trade connections in such an unexpected location. While evidence of spice trade between the Far East and the Land of Israel exists from earlier periods, this inscription provides a unique and compelling glimpse into the cultural exchange and economic ties that spanned vast distances centuries ago.
