Page 27 - Korean Buncheong Ceramics, Samsung Museum Collection (great book)

Catalogue 5 Bowl with decoration of chrysanthemums and composite inscription ( Jangheunggojipyong).
1
Korean, Joseon dynasty (1392–1910); mid-15th century. Buncheong with stamped and inlaid design, H. 3 ⁄2 in. (9 cm),
1
Diam. 7 ⁄8 in. (18.1 cm). Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, Seoul

tributary taxes and the n aMes of GovernMent bureaus
Shortly after the foundation of the Joseon dynasty, buncheong ceramics from kilns throughout
the country were supplied to the royal court and government offices as taxes levied by the state
on the provinces. The rising demand for buncheong both at the state level and in individual homes
created a shortage that led to problems such as the theft of vessels from government bureaus. The
problem appears to have been quite serious — only 20 percent of the vessels used for official banquets
11
and ceremonies might be returned to the bureau offices. The government was desperate to
retrieve or supplement the lost buncheong ware, but it was not practical to collect vessels as tribute
each time the need arose. To address this problem, the central government demanded that vessels
be inscribed with the names of bureaus to which they would be sent, for example, Jangheunggo,
the office that supplied such goods as mats and paper to other offices within the royal palace.
The intention was to identify stolen vessels and punish the offenders.

12