Ceramics from Korea had no part to play in the export trade to Europe, which is why European collections contain only few objects, which makes this vase relatively rare in our collection. Blue-and-white porcelain was always regarded as luxury ware in Korea; in 1754 a royal edict was even issued prohibiting its general use for the people.

History of the Object

Green glazed ceramics dominated the market in Korea until into the 14th century and were likewise highly valued in China and Japan. It was not until shortly prior to 1500 that cobalt blue was used for decoration, which tended to be sparse and applied in painterly style; it is this very design concept that distinguishes Korean porcelain from that of China and Japan.