Collection
/
Asian Art

Jar with Lid

late 19th century

1 of 4

Object Label

Both of these jars bear a mark on the bottom that reads “Unhyeon,” indicating that they were made specifically for use in the Unhyeon palace in Seoul, birthplace of King Gojong (reigned 1864–1906), who later declared himself Korea’s first emperor. Probably used for storage of wet foodstuffs, these jars were of the highest quality available in their time, and as a result they were designated for a royal residence by the overseers of the official porcelain kilns.

Caption

Jar with Lid, late 19th century. Porcelain with under glaze cobalt decoration, Height: 7 7/8 in. (20 cm) Diameter at mouth: 5 1/16 in. (12.8 cm) Diameter at base: 5 1/16 in. (12.8 cm) Diameter at widest point: 9 in. (22.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Bernice and Robert Dickes, 78.247.1a-b. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Collection

Asian Art

Title

Jar with Lid

Date

late 19th century

Dynasty

Joseon Dynasty

Geography

Place made: Korea

Medium

Porcelain with under glaze cobalt decoration

Classification

Ceramic

Dimensions

Height: 7 7/8 in. (20 cm) Diameter at mouth: 5 1/16 in. (12.8 cm) Diameter at base: 5 1/16 in. (12.8 cm) Diameter at widest point: 9 in. (22.9 cm)

Credit Line

Gift of Bernice and Robert Dickes

Accession Number

78.247.1a-b

Frequent Art Questions

  • Can you tell me about the design here? Is it made up of flowers or merely shapes?

    Those are in fact flowers!
    Wow okay, do you know what kind?
    Yes, they are peonies, which in Korean artwork symbolize wealth!
    Oh neat!
    The wealth and nobility associated with peonies was appropriate for this work, identified as an Unhyeon work. Unhyeon works were made for the Unhyeon palace in Seoul after 1864, when Heungseon Daewongon's son ascended to the throne.
    Flowers are a characteristic feature of Unhyeon works, as are "lingzhi" mushrooms.
    Wow, that's very cool to know
    I'm glad!

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