Rare Korean Ceramic Brush Holder Joseon Dynasty

A rare Korean porcelain brush holder in Banana Leaves pattern from late Joseon dynasty circa 19th century. Cherished by the scholars, this brush hold would grace the desk of a study. Bordered by the top and bottom bands of carved foliage design, the body features an open work of lattice design formed by large banana leaves. With finely carved stalks and veins in sharp details, the motif has a highly graphic appeal. The clear white glaze has a tint of greenish blue, with subtle pooling along the carved lines. Supported on four conforming slab feet, the proportion is elegant and eye-pleasing. Some old crackling lines formed randomly, adding an antique charm to the piece.
Banana leaves were a very popular motif in Korean painting in the late Joseon dynasty. Two brush holders with similar patterns are in the collection of the National Museum of Korea (Dongwon 602 and bon 10623) that was believed to have been made in the official royal kilns (Bunwon Gwanyo) in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province.
Brush holders with different design from the same period could also be seen in museums including Victoria and Albert Musuem in London. See illustration 36 on page 86-87 of the book "Korean Art and Design" by Beth McKillop.