Porcelain placenta jar

From Korea
Choson dynasty, 16th century AD

In the early Choson dynasty (1392-1910), aristocrats and the royal family practised placenta burial. Placentas were thought to be very important, possibly due to the emphasis placed on lineage due to strict Confucianism.

This is an inner jar, which would have been bound tightly closed with string through the lug handles on the shoulder. At least two outer jars would have surrounded it. Both punchong ware and porcelain placenta jars have been found.

J. Portal, Korea - art and archaeology (London, The British Museum Press, 2000)