Jar with Phoenix

Jar

Small jar in white color with a long neck and rounded mouth, a low bulbuous body and a standring. Cobalt-blue design in the shape of a phoenix and other decoration elements under the glaze.

Object ID
Korea_016

Age
Joseon Dynasty (1392 – 1910 AD)

Material
Ceramics

Color
white / blue

Height
(coming soon)

Height (neck)
7.8 cm

Diameter
10 cm

Diameter (base)
7.5 cm

Condition
Very Good

Price
on request

Description

The small jar in white color has a long neck with a rounded mouth, a bulbuous body and a standring. The shape of a mighty flying phoenix with powerful plumage is surrounding the entire vessel. This cobalt-blue design is added by motifs which could be simple petals with irregular blue inside-areas or stylized clouds behind the feathers of the phoenix. The standring is outlined in blue. The whole jug, also the bottom, is covered with glaze. Tiny air bubbles are visible on the surface.
The phoenix as a symbol is of great importance. Its body incorporated five human qualities: the head stands for virtue, both of the wings for duty, the back for the ritual of correct behaviour, the breast for humanity and the belly embodies reliability. Usually, its feathers are five-colored. [1]
The phoenix is a symbol of royalty, and its use is restricted to wares of  Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910). It is also one of the celestial animals of the four directions. The feathers are said to bring good fortune and protection. As an icon for peace and harmony the phoenix became very popular. (HV)

________________________

[1] Eberhard, Wolfram (1983): Lexikon chinesischer Symbole. Geheime Sinnbilder in Kunst und Literatur, Leben und Denken der Chinesen. Eugen Diederichs Verlag. Köln. 228