Jar,

18th century

Underglaze painting, in which designs were painted with copper-red, iron-brown, or cobalt- blue before the application of a transparent layer of glaze, became a primary technique for decorating porcelain during the Joseon dynasty. The underglaze painting technique was trans-mitted to Korea, along with cobalt blue, from Ming-dynasty China (1368–1644). Initially reserved for use in royal wares, the technique was eventually adopted for the production of ceramics intended for a wider but still elite clientele. Brush-painted decoration, like these floral motifs, added a fluid, calligraphic aesthetic to the porcelain that was distinct from the more repetitive sanggam ceramic inlay designs or engraved patterns that had been popular in Korea. This bulbous jar, which lacks a spout for pouring, was most likely intended to hold wine.