White peonies glow over dark earth

Name: Jar (Buncheong ware with sgraffito peony scroll design)
Period: Joseon Dynasty, 15th century

The solid shape of this jar is typical of Buncheong ware (traditional bluish-green stoneware) from the Joseon period. The neck to the lower part of the body is covered in a white slip, which, even though irregular, highlights the lively and natural characteristics of Buncheong ware.

The peony leaves on the shoulder of the vessel were created using the johwa technique, in which the artisan carves the desired design in a line on the white slip. The peony design on the body was created using the bakji technique, in which the white slip from the background is scraped down, revealing the original earthen base. The dark and light tones of the jar create a clear contrast between the peony and the background, making the flower leaves stand out among the rest.

*The photos and text for Treasure Trove are provided by the National Museum of Korea. For more information, call (02) 2077-9000 or visit www.museum.go.kr.