Brown Glazed Pilgrims Vase

Choson Dynasty- 19th century
High-Fired Stoneware
Korea
H: 18cm x W: 14cm

This pilgrim’s vase is covered in a lustrous tortoise shell glaze, featuring harmonious hues of greens, browns and blacks coming together in a spiral shaped design which possesses an almost mesmerising quality. The shape of this vase, with its generous ovoid body which gradually recedes into a slender neck and flaring mouth rim, is considered rare for Choson dynasty brown glazed pottery.

Brown and black glazed Choson dynasty pottery possess a neutral and timeless quality. Their aesthetic was diametrically opposed to the elaborate and ornate blue and white porcelain wares which were also popular at the time. The unique colour variations in these brown and black glazed wares are created from the iron oxide and magnesium oxide in the glaze when fired in an oxidising kiln. Later pieces such as this one have become known for their glossy finish and varied tones.