Joseon moon jar breaks auction record as most expensive pottery

[Courtesy of Seoul Auction]

SEOUL -- A large white porcelain jar produced during the Joseon dynasty (1392~1910) was sold for 3.1 billion won ($2.68 million), marking the highest price among ancient potteries auctioned off in South Korea.

Joseon white porcelains are characterized by the beauty of unpretentious forms, understated decoration, and subtle use of color.
A large white porcelain jar is known as a moon jar after its spherical form with long and thin cracks formed on the glazed surface. The artifact embodies the beauty of Joseon white porcelain through its gracefully rounded milk-white surface.

Seoul Auction said the height of the moon jar sold on Wednesday was 45.5 centimeters. The starting price was 2.3 billion won and the winning price was the third highest among any ancient artworks traded by South Korean auction houses.

In December 2015, a Buddhist scroll painting, which is 10 meters long, broke South Korea's auction record. "Cheongnyangsan Gwaebultaeng," designated as Treasure No. 1210, was sold at 3.52 billion won. The previous record was 3.4 billion won set in 2012 by a scrapbook of pictures and writings designated as Treasure No. 585.

Lim Chang-won cwlim34@ajunews.com

Joseon moon jar breaks auction record as most expensive pottery

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