Korean Celadon Ritual Incense Burner Joseon Dynasty
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Description
An antique Korean ritual incense burner circa 19th century (late Joseon dynasty). This type of porcelain incense burner was made in Bunwon Kiln in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Do, near Seoul. Used in ceremonial occasions, the vessel was potted in steady and thick walls and the surface was covered in a whitish celadon glaze. It is of an archaic Chinese form with rounded body and two ears, each pierced with three dots. Interestingly, the cover features groups of cutout trigrams in the shapes of four of the eight Bagua (Palgwae in Korean) symbols that represent Water, Matal, fire and thunder respectively. Despite its vernacular appearance, incense burner like this has a strong religious significance and was believed to be used on the altar table in the Buddhist temple for worshiping.
A nearly identical piece from Philadelphia Museum of Art Accession Number 2000-80-12a,b was featured in a touring exhibition "Treasures from Korea Arts and Culture of the Joseon Dynasty 1392-1910" and illustrated in the catalog of the same name on page 219. See photo.
Another one is in the collection of Virginia Museum of Fine Art, 2016.25a-b. (on view). See last two photos taken by us.
Also illustrated on page 312 in "Korean Art from the Gompertz and Other Collections in the Fritzwilliam Museum, Cambridge (shown in the last two photos). -
More Information
Origin: South Korea Period: 19th Century Materials: porcelain Condition: Good. General surface patina and wear. Small glaze imperfection around lid, base, and missing glaze spots on the body near the ears. A tight crack line by mouth, two on lower side, one exposing the kaolin underneath, likely kiln-occurrence. Surface only. Creation Date: 19th century Styles / Movements: Asian, Traditional Patterns: Asian/Oriental, Handmade Incollect Reference #: 726076 -
Dimensions
H. 6.5 in; Diam. 6 in; H. 16.51 cm; Diam. 15.24 cm;
Message from Seller:
Tishu, based in Atlanta, GA, offers a diverse collection ranging from Neolithic art to 20th-century collectibles, with a focus on Mid-century design, Japanese and Korean art, Asian textiles, and Contemporary Aboriginal art. Driven by a passion for timeless beauty, the gallery is open by appointment only and offers works that span 5,000 years of history. Reach them at 305-400-0561 or tishu@tishugallery.com.