Korean Ceramic Ritual Offering Stemmed Dish with Inscription Joseon Dynasty

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A small ceramic stemmed dish with high cylindrical foot in white glaze with a cobalt blue underglaze inscription in the … Read more A small ceramic stemmed dish with high cylindrical foot in white glaze with a cobalt blue underglaze inscription in the center 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 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. The dish was simply covered in a bluish white glaze. Other than the character, it is unadorned in a humble appearance. The base was partially glazed with a character "Zhong" (middle) quickly carved by the potter. It was possible used to identify the position of the dish for placement.
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 was 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