Openwork jar with peonies

This is a rare openwork decorative technique on a Joseon porcelain jar that contains an inner vessel. The is only other comparable example known is in the National Museum of Korea; it is designated as Treasure No. 240. Openwork technique is found on Joseon porcelain, but often on smaller scholar’s objects such as brush pots and water droppers or larger ornamental garden stools. The decoration on this imposing jar—an interlace of four large peony blossoms, twisting branches and leaves is sculpturally dynamic. The leaves and blossoms are further articulated with low relief and incising, which contrast with the smooth branches. While the openwork captures the attention, there are other decorative techniques employed over the entire surface. The top and bottom have incised motifs of scroll pattern and stylized lotus leaves, respectively. Between the peonies and lotus leaves, there is a scepter motif rendered in low relief. The blue-tinged glaze fills incised lines and pools along the relief providing details and shading to the motifs.