Historic Discovery Jerusalem Unveils First Chinese Inscription in Archaeological Find

In a groundbreaking archaeological discovery, a fragment of 16th-century Chinese porcelain with an inscription has been unearthed on Mount Zion in Jerusalem. The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) announced on Tuesday that this is the first Chinese inscription ever found in Israel, providing a unique window into historical trade connections between the Far East and the Holy Land.

The inscription reads, “Forever we will guard the eternal spring.” The artifact, dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1520–1570), was discovered during a joint excavation by the IAA and the German Protestant Institute of Archaeology.

While Chinese porcelain has been found in Israel before, this is the first piece to bear an inscription. Michael Chernin, an archaeologist with the IAA, noticed the colorful shard protruding from the dirt last summer during preparations for the excavation season. After cleaning the piece, Dr. Anna de Vincenz, a pottery specialist, identified the text as Chinese, which was later deciphered by Jingchao Chen of Hebrew University.

“This is an extraordinary find,” said IAA director Eli Escusido. “In archaeological research, evidence of trade relations between the Land of Israel and the Far East is known from earlier periods, particularly in the form of spices. However, encountering an actual Chinese inscription on Mount Zion is both rare and thrilling.”

The Ming Dynasty, renowned for its exquisite porcelain craftsmanship, thrived on expansive trade networks. Records from the period document interactions between the Chinese and Ottoman Empires, with roughly 20 Ottoman delegations visiting Beijing between the 15th and 17th centuries.

Historical accounts from Chinese scholar Ma Li in 1541 describe colonies of Chinese merchants in cities like Beirut, Tripoli, Cairo, and even Jerusalem. These hubs facilitated exchanges of goods, culture, and ideas, underscoring the interconnected trade routes of the time.

The discovery sheds light on Jerusalem’s role in these trade networks, linking it to the bustling global commerce of the 16th century. Mount Zion, typically known for Byzantine and Second Temple period artifacts, now offers a glimpse into a later era of cultural exchange and interaction.

This rare artifact, with its poetic inscription and connection to Ming Dynasty trade, will undoubtedly deepen our understanding of Jerusalem’s historical significance as a crossroads of civilizations.

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