Korean Glazed Ceramic Vase Buncheong Ware Early Joseon Dynasty

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An antique Korean Buncheong stoneware vase from early Joseon Dynasty circa late 15th to early 16th century. The vase is … Read more An antique Korean Buncheong stoneware vase from early Joseon Dynasty circa late 15th to early 16th century. The vase is of a classic pear form with a waisted neck and a flared mouth. The generous body is supported by a ringed base. The surface is decorated with an overall white slip, multiple incised lines encircling the neck and the lower body and a spontaneous oxidated iron paint of scrolling vines with stylized peony leaves. The base is partially covered with white slip and the fired red clay is exposed on the ring. This particular type of Buncheong ware was associated with the Hakbong-ri kilns in the sacred Mount Gyeryong Mountains, west of Daejeon city in the Chungcheong province. During early Joseon Dynasty, the emperor decided to reject Buddhism to embrace the Confucianism. As a result, many monks were forced to abandon their religious life and returned to the secular society. The monks in Gyeryong mountains set up the kilns and started to produce this so called "Hakbong-ri" type of Buncheong ware. The production was shorted-lived for only a few decades from late 15th to early 16th century before it turned to porcelain, but the ware made during that period was noted for their fresh and enigmatic appeal with deft iron-paint decoration. Collectors cherish these rare pieces for their vitality and spontaneity.
The vase has a historical Kintsugi repair on its rim as shown.
For a similar vase, see Item 2015.79.454 in the collection of MIA (Gift from Mary and Jackson Burk Foundation). Item Shinsu II095 of National Musuem of Korea on loan to Houston Fine Art Musuem.
Bonham's NY sale "Fine Japanese and Korean Works of Art" on 03/18/2015 lot 3224. See less