Page 102 - Symbols_of_Identity_Korean_Ceramics_from the Chang Collection

80. imilar in shape to the jar decorated with a dragon in cat.
Jar S79, this jar has a flaring neck joined to a shoulder that
18th–19th century, Joseon bulges and then tapers towards the waist to form a base with
TL results: fired between 200 & 400 years ago an indented foot. “Chatter marks” radiating from the center
Porcelain with underglaze cobalt decoration of the base, caused by a potter’s knife when trimming the
H: 24.8 cm, W: 18.7 cm foot, are apparent. The base is completely glazed, leaving the
footrim free of glaze. Repeating spirals are painted in cobalt
and encircle the shoulder, just under the neck. The body is
decorated with an orchid plant and a butterfly in mid-flight.

The decorator painted by manipulating the forms of each
brush stroke so that the impression of the subject matter was
captured with a minimum of strokes—in the fashion of cal-
ligraphy and ink painting. The usual yeo ui (Ch: rúyì) collars
surrounding the area below the neck on this type of jar have
been simplified into a collar of spirals (compare with cats.
77-79). Presumably, this type of jar would have originally
been equipped with a matching porcelain lid.

Butterflies are a symbol for happiness, blessings, and longevity.
The word for butterfly in Chinese (from which the Korean lan-
guage has incorporated many loan words) is a rebus for these
three wishes. The insect is also a symbol for femininity. The
collector’s grandparents, parents, and wife have used this jar as
a flower vase.

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