Jar, approx. 1600

This type of globular porcelain jar, known as the moon jar (dal hang-ari) and was loved by Korean people not only because its white color suggested Confucian virtues of purity, honesty, and modesty, but also because the form was thought to represent the fertility and embracing, gentle qualities of women.

Although porcelain wares were produced concurrently with celadons during the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392), not until theJoseon dynasty(1392-1910) did they come into prominence. From about 1600 on, porcelain definitely came to dominate the field of Korean ceramics because the preference for the color white dominated Korean aesthetics throughout the Joseon dynasty.