Porcelain storage jar

From Korea
Choson dynasty, 18th century AD

Decorated with dragon, a traditional symbol of power

This porcelain jar is decorated with a dragon, a traditional symbol of power. In the early Choson period (1392-1910) the dragon motif was used exclusively by the royal family, but it later became more widely used. The base of the jar has an inscription which tells that the jar is an heirloom of a certain Kim family.

White porcelain was being produced in the Korean peninsula during the Koryo dynasty (918-1392), but it was during the Choson dynasty that it flourished. Buddhism was the royal religion of the Koryo dynasty, while Confucianism became the political and cultural driving force of the Choson dynasty. It is possible that white porcelain was favoured at this time, as its purity of colour could be associated with the Confucian virtues of humility and simplicity.

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