JOSEON DYNASTY (15TH-16TH CENTURY)

Made during Korea’s Joseon dynasty (1392–1910), this elegant porcelain bottle dates to the 15th-16th century. Though its exact function remains unknown, it is likely for serving wine. 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 bottle, are unembellished, relying on tautness of form and beauty of glaze for their aesthetic appeal.