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Jar with floral roundels and inscriptions

19th century
Not on view
Resembling a moon jar in shape and production method, this vessel is similarly formed by fusing two hemispheres. While its size and asymmetry exude the same unaffected charm that has made moon jars national icons, it is distinguished by its surface decoration. Cobalt-blue roundels with alternating floral and calligraphic motifs appear slightly above the central seam. The characters convey auspicious wishes for longevity (壽, su) and blessings (福, bok). The cobalt-blue reflects the popularity of blue-and-white porcelain in the nineteenth century. Purportedly collected by the Japanese potter Shimaoka Tatsuzo (1919–2007), jars like this played a part in the development of Japanese mingei aesthetics and philosophy, which celebrated everyday objects made by ordinary people.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 백자 청화 수복명 꽃무늬 항아리 조선
  • 白磁靑畫 壽福銘花文壺 朝鮮
  • Title: Jar with floral roundels and inscriptions
  • Period: Joseon dynasty (1392–1910)
  • Date: 19th century
  • Culture: Korea
  • Medium: Porcelain with underglaze cobalt-blue decoration
  • Dimensions: H. 15 1/4 × Diam.14 1/2 in. (38.7 × 36.8 cm)
    Diam. of foot: 7 3/8 in. (18.7 cm)
    Diam. of rim: 7 in. (17.8 cm)
  • Classification: Ceramics
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Friends of Asian Art Gifts, 2021
  • Object Number: 2021.127
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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