White Porcelain Lidded Bowl

This is a white porcelain canteen from the Joseon Dynasty. It is 22.5 cm in total height while its upper diameter is 15.3 cm and the diameter of the heel is 9.4 cm. The lid is 9.9 cm high and 17.4 cm in its diameter. There is a small knob resembling a flower bud at the center of the upper side of the lid with a pair of lines engraved around it. The verge of the lid was made indented to fit well with the body of the bowl. With a puckered mouth, the body gradually broadens as it goes down and becomes plump in the lower area. It matches perfectly with its heels, which are slightly tall and spread outward, to give an elegant and graceful look. The entire surface is coated with a thick layer of light-bluish white enamel, which gives a dim gloss. Exploding energy as well as a mood of strict formality is well reflected in the upright shape and capacious volume of the bowl. Made in clear white with a light blue tone, this canteen well reflects the overall mood of the early Joseon Dynasty. It is certainly one of the best canteens from this period.