Buncheong Lidded Jar with Inlaid Peony and Scroll Design

As celadon porcelain ware with inlaid design started to decline in the late Goryeo Period, a new type of porcelain called buncheong ware was developed. Buncheong ware had unique shape, design, and composition different from those of white porcelain. This buncheong lidded jar has total height of 25.2 cm, jar height of 22.6 cm, mouth diameter of 8.4 cm, and base diameter of 10.2 cm. The wall of the jar is relatively thin, with an upright mouth that slightly opens outward. There is a pair of white inlaid lines in four different places in the area between the mouth and the base, dividing the body into three sections. The upper section is decorated with modified lotus flower leaves inlaid in black and white and filled with dots. The wide part of the body is filled with inlaid peony and scroll designs to make them the main design, whereas the lower base area has lotus flowers inlaid in white. There is a round-shaped knob on the lid, and peony leaves are inlaid in black and white on the top surface. The area around the mouth, which is slowly curved downward, is stamped with dots. There are scars throughout the surface caused by foreign substances mixed in the base clay. Some parts are peeled off because the glaze is not painted evenly. Minute cracks are seen on the inlaid peony flowers and scrolls. Since the shape and design of the jar and glaze used on it show very well the transition from the end of the inlaid celadon ware to the beginning of buncheong ware, experts believe that this jar was made in the 15th century.