Jar

백자호 (白磁壺)

1700s
Overall: 34.3 cm (13 1/2 in.); Outer diameter: 31.6 cm (12 7/16 in.)
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location: not on view

Download, Print and Share

Did You Know?

Known as a “moon” jar, this vessel is named for its circular form and color.

Description

This white jar reflects values of frugality and pragmatism, political ideals encouraged by the ruling house’s government. The absence of underglaze cobalt blue decoration could be the artist’s response to the socioeconomic crisis caused by famines in the late 1600s. The Korean ruling house then enforced strict laws banning luxuries, including cobalt blue, to preserve state finances. Such challenges did not stop the artist from experimenting with a new aesthetics. The concept of minimalism, often phrased as “less is more,” is powerfully exercised in this jar.
Jar

Jar

1700s

Korea, Joseon dynasty (1392–1910)

Videos

How It Was Made

Joseon Pottery

Storage Vessel

Visually Similar Artworks

Contact us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@clevelandart.org.

To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.

All images and data available through Open Access can be downloaded for free. For images not available through Open Access, a detail image, or any image with a color bar, request a digital file from Image Services.