Bunwon kilns
Tall Ovoid Vase
18th century
Physical Qualities
Porcelain with transparent glaze, 15 15/16 × 5 1/8 in. (40.5 × 13 cm.); 15 lb.
Credit Line
Julius Levy Memorial Fund
Object Number
2016.108
A barely visible seam is the only clue that two nearly
identical halves, top and bottom, were joined at the
midpoint to create this vessel. Wealthy Korean families
stored dry goods or condiments in vessels like this one,
with heavy paper covers, and kept them near the kitchen in
the women’s quarters. Sometimes such vessels held large
flower arrangements; the plain shape and undecorated
surface would have contrasted but not competed with its
floral contents. Part of a bride’s dowry, whether put to
utilitarian or decorative use, these impressive additions
to the household would become family heirlooms.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by purchase, 2016; Kang Collection Korean Art, New York, late 2015; private collection, Vancouver, BC
Frances Klapthor, The Baltimore Museum of art, "Across East Asia: China's Cultural & Artistic Legacy," October 30, 2019-December 31, 2023.
