Korean Ceramic Ritual Offering Vessel with Inscription Joseon Dynasty

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A ceramic dish with high cylindrical foot in white glaze with a cobalt blue underglaze inscription from Korea, circa 18-19th … Read more A ceramic dish with high cylindrical foot in white glaze with a cobalt blue underglaze inscription from Korea, circa 18-19th century Joseon Dynasty. This is a classic ceremonial vessel that was used to offer the sweet rice cakes or fruits on the altar. The encircled Chinese inscription read "Je" or "Che", roughly translated as "offering" or "ritual". The slight upturned edge allows the easy placement of the offering on the dish. During Joseon dynasty, the social morals were largely centered on the principles of Confucianism, originated from China. Many ritual ceramic wares were produced for rituals and worships on all level of the society. The ware were often modeled after the archaic bronze ware that elevated them from the aesthetic of daily use pieces. High foot dish like this were made in both round and square shape to suite different use but they were all distinguished with the inscription for their exclusive ceremonial purpose.
A nearly identical piece is illustrated on plate 118 in "Earth Fire Soul the Masterpieces of Korean Ceramic" National Museum of Korea Collection no. jub3078.
Another example Cat 193 is in the collection of Fitzwilliam Musuem, Cambridge, UK. See less