Description
This large, milky white jar, made during Korea’s Joseon dynasty, is called a moon jar because of its distinctive shape and color. In order to build the jar’s large round shape, Joseon potters joined two hemispherical halves in the center. The joint is almost visible under the smooth white glaze but subtly flattens out between the halves. This moon jar, like many others, has mysterious spots—possibly residue from liquid the jar once contained or the result of a crystal growth from the slow cooling of the kiln. Either way, these stains have become a part of the identity of Joseon moon jars.
Provenance
Moon Jar
Joseon dynasty (1392–1897), late 17th– mid-18th century
Accession Number
158472
Medium
Porcelain with glaze
Dimensions
33 × 32.5 cm (13 × 12 13/16 in.); Diam.: 32.5 cm (12 13/16 in.)
Classification
porcelain
Credit Line
Gift of an anonymous donor, Louise Lutz Estate, and Russell Tyson Endowment