Jar (white porcelain with plum, bamboo)

Name: Jar (white porcelain with plum, bamboo and bird design in cobalt blue)
Period: Joseon Dynasty, 15th-16th century
Location: National Museum of Korea, Fine Arts Gallery
Status: National Treasure No. 170

This jar is decorated with a traditional Korean design that shows the distinguished talents and skills of painters of the Joseon government office of fine arts.

Initially, most white porcelain jars were influenced by China, but during the 15th and 16th centuries, they started taking on distinctive Korean designs.

This jar successfully depicts the aesthetics of the upper class, including that of the royal family.

On the lid is a lotus bud. Bamboo and plums are also carefully depicted.

On the front, bamboo and plums and birds are detailed so delicately and realistically that the Korean traditional mood is highlighted.

While the central design is depicted in strong and rich pigment, the design of a chrysanthemum at the lower part and vines around the mouth are intentionally painted faintly so that the realism and solidity of their designs are maximized.

*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.