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Lot Essay
Made during Korea’s Joseon dynasty (1392–1910), this elegant porcelain jar dates to the 15th century. Though its exact function remains unknown, it likely served as a storage jar and probably contained foodstuffs. Korean porcelains seldom show the bold palette of those from China’s Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties; rather, as strict followers of Neo-Confucianism, Koreans of the Joseon dynasty embraced an austere aesthetic vision, their porcelains sporting only limited decoration. In fact, many Joseon porcelains, such as this majestic jar, are unembellished, relying on tautness of form and beauty of glaze for their aesthetic appeal.
Korean potters had produced globular jars during the preceding Goryeo dynasty (918–1392) as well as elongated jars with an S-curve profile, such as the example in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (15.160.3). The present jar’s form—with broad shoulders and side walls that angle downward without curves to a foot that is approximately half the width of the shoulder—was newly introduced in the 15th century, perhaps inspired by early 15th-century Chinese porcelain jars from the kilns at Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, such as the famous blue-and-white dragon jar in the Metropolitan Museum (37.191.1).
Korean potters had produced globular jars during the preceding Goryeo dynasty (918–1392) as well as elongated jars with an S-curve profile, such as the example in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (15.160.3). The present jar’s form—with broad shoulders and side walls that angle downward without curves to a foot that is approximately half the width of the shoulder—was newly introduced in the 15th century, perhaps inspired by early 15th-century Chinese porcelain jars from the kilns at Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, such as the famous blue-and-white dragon jar in the Metropolitan Museum (37.191.1).