Korea, Joseon dynasty, Late 18th century to early 19th century
The Korean Jar with Dragons in Underglaze Blue was a highly valued ceramic vessel among the Korean royal court during the Joseon dynasty, with production beginning as early as the 16th century. Historical documents known as Uigwe, which record royal activities, ceremonial regulations, and artifact illustrations, describe jars with broad straight mouths, rounded shoulders, and slightly flared feet decorated with dragon and cloud motifs, similar to this artifact. These vessels were specifically referred to as “dragon jars.” Dragon jars could be used for floral arrangements to embellish banquets and ceremonies with grandeur and elegance. When fitted with a lid, they served as liquor jars. The prominence of these jars is also reflected in other literature. For instance, Veritable Records of Yeongjo states that an edict was once issued to prohibit extravagant blue-and-white ceramics in favor of more affordable iron-painted ware. However, an exception was made for dragon jars, which retained their prestigious blue-and-white decoration.
Given that cobalt, the pigment used for blue-and-white designs, was an expensive imported material, combined with the Confucian emphasis on frugality and purity, Joseon-era blue-and-white ceramics often featured ample blank spaces. Pieces adorned with densely detailed patterns, such as this jar, exude a sense of exceptional opulence. According to historical records, master artisans from the royal painting bureau were tasked with executing the main decorative motifs, while subsidiary patterns might have been completed by specialized potters from the Siyongwon kiln division.