The white porcelain bottle-shaped ewer () is a Joseon white porcelain in early Joseon dynasty, dating to the late 15th century. Designated as South Korea's National Treasure No. 281 in September 1993, this vessel is renowned for its harmonious form, white glaze, and sophisticated execution. It is currently housed in the Horim Museum in Seoul, South Korea.
Historical Background Historically, this ewer embodies the aesthetic shift and ideological values of the early Joseon, where Neo-Confucian ideals favored modesty, structural symmetry, and monochrome purity over extravagant ornamentation. During the late 15th century, traditional bottle shapes were functionalized with attached handles and pouring spouts to serve as ritual vessels or refined wine containers. The production of such flawless undecorated porcelain represented a peak in technical mastery, reflecting the rigorous craftsmanship maintained under direct state patronage at the official royal kilns in Gwangju, Gyeonggi.
Characteristics In terms of physical composition, the vessel features a slightly flared rim connected to a short cylindrical neck, which expands gradually downward into a lower body that shifts the center of gravity downward for stability. Opposite a curved, gently tapering spout on the shoulder sits a broad, flat-ribbon handle attached between the shoulder and waist. The ewer is topped with a fitted lid bearing a central finial shaped like a lotus bud, accompanied by a small ceramic loop that corresponds to a matching loop on the handle to secure the lid with a cord.
The glaze exhibits a pale bluish-grayish tone, evenly applied across the entire surface with a soft luster. The glaze was wiped off from the foot ring, which bears traces of fine sand supports used during firing. The clay body and glaze color of the handle and spout differ from those of the bottle-shaped main body, suggesting that they were intentionally crafted from a different clay for a certain reason at the time of production.
See also Blue and white porcelain Korean pottery and porcelain
References
External links
In Pursuit of White: Porcelain in the Joseon Dynasty, 1392–1910 The Metropolitan Museum of Art