Pedestaled Ceremonial Stand

This large pedestal probably served as a support for a large round-bottomed jar. Made for use by the living, it was no doubt later included in a tomb as part of a funerary offering. Its aesthetic appeal derives from its imposing proportions, its strong, solid form, and its harmoniously integrated decoration of square apertures and combed patterns.

The Kimbell pedestal is comprised of two parts. The high, hollow pedestal is punctuated by four stacks of three square perforations cut into horizontal bands of wavy, combed decoration. The large bowl above bears more combed wavy bands, here divided by vertical incisions into panels, some bearing incised circles. It was originally thought that the bases of Korean pots were perforated so that chips of wood could be burned within to warm the vessel’s contents, but the lack of soot on the undersides contradicts this hypothesis. It is now believed that the cutouts were most likely added for decorative effect.