19th Century Korean White and Blue Porcelain Jar with Dragon Joseon Dynasty

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A Korean white porcelain jar with underglaze blue paint circa the second half of 19th century. Porcelain jars of this … Read more A Korean white porcelain jar with underglaze blue paint circa the second half of 19th century. Porcelain jars of this elongated form with swell shoulder, wide and slightly everted mouth through a short, straight neck were made in various size in the late Joseon period. They served a wide range of functions such as flower vases, culinary jars or apothecary bottles. This jar is of a medium size and rises from a slightly tapered base. The blue underglaze motif is a classic slithering dragon with four claws chasing a flaming ball. The mythological serpent is one of the most auspicious animals in Asian cultures and found widely on Korean ceramics. The shoulder is decorated with scrolling Youi-head and the neck and the base circumvented with lines. The painting was rustic and folky, with a detectable comic touch, indicating that unlike the larger dragon jars that were designated for the temple or palaces, this jar was likely a vernacular piece and used in a wealthy household. There are two old surface chips on the rim with Kintsugi repairs. Slightly tilted as made.
For a comparable jar with similar form and dragon design, see item
1969,0618.1 in the collection of The British Musuem. See less