White Porcelain Jars: Embracing the Joseon Ideals and Rituals throws fresh light on the features and characteristics of the Joseon-period ceramic art. In the exhibition themed upon white porcelain jars features not only jars used by the commons but also those with a specific purpose for the Joseon royal family such as taehang-ari^{, placenta jar}, myeonggi^{, burial ware}, yongjun^{, jar with dragon motif}.

 

The exhibition consists of three themes: The first part titled “Characteristics and Evolution of White Porcelain Jars” provides an overview of the history of Joseon-period jars. The second theme, “White Porcelain Jars of the Joseon Royal Family” introduces how the jars reflect the royal family’s culture and ideology of the Joseon Dynasty which was founded upon Neo-Confucianism. The last part showcases white porcelain jars which have been discovered in Seoul, as the results of the recently robust excavation activities in the capital area. White porcelain jars of the Joseon period were not only containers. They were also embodiments of the lives and ideas of the people living the time.

 

White Porcelain Jars: Embracing the Joseon Ideals and Rituals offers a meaningful occasion through which to find the formative characteristic as well as the historical value and significance of Joseon-period white porcelain jars. 

 

 

 

White Porcelain with Plum, Bamboo and Bird Design in Underglaze Cobalt-Blue

Joseon Dynasty, 15th century CE, National Treasure of Korea No.170