Antique Korean Porcelain Peony Jar Joseon Dynasty

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A Korean white porcelain jar with underglaze blue painting of large peonies with leaves circa second half of 19th century, … Read more A Korean white porcelain jar with underglaze blue painting of large peonies with leaves circa second half of 19th century, Joseon Dynasty. Considered associated with Punwon-ri kilns in Gwangju, these types of globular jar with large mouth on a short near-straight neck were known as Tanji and used in the kitchen such as for pickling. The shape follows the function. Traditionally, they were made in three sizes with this jar being the medium size. The conforming foot ring and the slightly everted neck allow them to be stacked. The underglaze blue decoration tends to be rustic and folky. Peony flower was one of the most beloved motifs. The shoulder was decorated with the scrolling youi-head and the neck circumvented with lines.
As vernacular objects in the household, these jars tend to see a lot of handling and almost always show patina, stains, small nicks and chips, as evidence from use, part of their history.
For a similar pickle jar with peony design, see item c.442 dash 1984 in the Gompertz Collection in the Fitzwilliam Musuem, Cambridge. Illustration 191 on page 289 of the Musuem Publication "Korean Art, A complete Catalogue" by Tong-i.
For another comparable jars, see item 2006-826 in the collection of Princeton University Art Museum.
Item 2015.79.504 a,b in the Mary Griggs Burke Collection in Minneapolis Institute of Art See less