White Porcelain Jar with Openwork Peony and Scroll Design in Underglaze Cobalt Blue

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.240

Category

Craft

Era

조선시대(18세기)

Designated year

1963

Location

용산구, 서울특별시— 서울특별시 용산구 서빙고로 137 (용산동6가, 국립중앙박물관)

Coordinates

37.524041, 126.980350

This Blue and White Porcelain Jar (26.7cm height, 14.25cm top diameter) has a two-ply structure in the shape of upright flare and broad shoulders, narrowing down the base. The inner one does not have any kind of patterns or designs, while the outer one has peony with leaves in full bloom, stems and bines, sculptured through the whole surface of it. On the upper part of the shoulder, this jar has a band in underglaze cobalt blue with simple designs on it, and at the base just below the waist is a bold relief carving of flower buds. The shape indicates that it’s originally intended for use as a flower vase. The outside ware forms the curve following the typical pattern of the Joseon Dynasty. The peony flowers in full bloom, which are carved through the whole surface of this jar, look very realistic. The shape is that of simple beauty of elegance and refinement. Judging from the method of glazing in pale-blue on this white porcelain, it is presumed that it was produced from the firing kiln site in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do, in the late 18th century during the Joseon Dynasty. Considering that such patterns of peony blossoms and water waves used to be carved on a variety of pen-stands or the flower vases during the period, this piece of work seems to have been made in the second half of the 18th century.

Location