Buncheong Barrel-shaped Vessel with Peony Design in Underglaze Iron

Among buncheong barrel-shaped vessels (jangun), this piece is notably large, its entire surface covered with a bold, unconventional iron-painted design in thick black lines. Except for one end that was shaped like a foot during forming, and the inner surface of the broad, tall foot that serves as the actual base in use, the whole surface was coated somewhat thickly with white slip using a coarse gwiyal brush; where the coating is thinner the brush marks remain visible. The design is centred on the broad body: a small peony blossom occupies the centre, flanked on both sides by luxuriant peony leaves in an almost symmetrical arrangement, drawn boldly enough to fill the whole surface. On either side, two lines were incised with a knife to expose the underlying body colour, separating the central peony design, after which a simple scroll design was drawn. A line resembling a flower-shaped window (hwachang) was also drawn on the shoulder near the mouth. In painting the peony flower and leaves, the artist kept the dividing lines in mind, yet in places the leaves were drawn so large that they spill beyond them, while elsewhere they were drawn small enough to leave much empty space, showing that the brush was allowed to move freely and unrestrainedly. The dark greyish-brown clay body contains fine sand particles, has an even colour tone, and a good lustre. The glaze layer is thin and partly incompletely fused, but its overall condition is excellent, with a soft lustre.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Designation

Treasure · 보물