Brushpot
1800-1900 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
White porcelain, made from a mixture of clay and crushed rock fired at a very high temperature, was first produced in Korea in the Koryo dynasty (918–1392) and came to dominate ceramic production in the Choson period (1392–1910). Kilns produced large objects for use at court as well as smaller domestic pieces for private customers. In about 1800 they began to produce elegant white openwork porcelain objects such as this brush pot. Painting and calligraphy were essential accomplishments of the Choson gentleman, and this piece would have graced a scholar's study, serving its function but also delighting the eye.
Plain white wares, with their connotations of purity and honesty, were particularly popular in a culture embedded in Confucian philosophy. The bluish tinge of the glaze of this pot is a typical feature of Korean porcelains and becomes all the more pronounced if the glaze is thickly applied. The deftly carved design is of stylised peonies and foliage on winding stems with incised markings.
Plain white wares, with their connotations of purity and honesty, were particularly popular in a culture embedded in Confucian philosophy. The bluish tinge of the glaze of this pot is a typical feature of Korean porcelains and becomes all the more pronounced if the glaze is thickly applied. The deftly carved design is of stylised peonies and foliage on winding stems with incised markings.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Porcelain, thrown, incised and glazed |
Brief description | Brushpot, white-glazed porcelain with pierced and incised decoration, Korea, Choson dynasty, 1800-1900. |
Physical description | Brushpot of porcelain, covered with a white glaze with bluish tinge. The sides of the brushpot are decorated with openwork featuring stylised peonies and foliage on winding stems. The character 'ri' is carved onto the base. |
Dimensions |
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Style | |
Subject depicted | |
Summary | White porcelain, made from a mixture of clay and crushed rock fired at a very high temperature, was first produced in Korea in the Koryo dynasty (918–1392) and came to dominate ceramic production in the Choson period (1392–1910). Kilns produced large objects for use at court as well as smaller domestic pieces for private customers. In about 1800 they began to produce elegant white openwork porcelain objects such as this brush pot. Painting and calligraphy were essential accomplishments of the Choson gentleman, and this piece would have graced a scholar's study, serving its function but also delighting the eye. Plain white wares, with their connotations of purity and honesty, were particularly popular in a culture embedded in Confucian philosophy. The bluish tinge of the glaze of this pot is a typical feature of Korean porcelains and becomes all the more pronounced if the glaze is thickly applied. The deftly carved design is of stylised peonies and foliage on winding stems with incised markings. |
Bibliographic reference | McKillop, Beth. Korean art and design: the Samsung gallery of Korean art. London: Victoria and Albert Museum, 1992, Plate 36. |
Collection | |
Accession number | C.351-1921 |
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Record created | February 3, 2000 |
Record URL |
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