Art Institute of Chicago

Moon Jar

Korea

Date

Joseon dynasty (1392–1897), late 17th– mid-18th century

Medium

Porcelain with glaze

Culture

Korea

Department

Arts of Asia

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

This large, milky white jar, made during Korea’s Joseon dynasty, is called a moon jar because of its distinctive shape and color. In order to build the jar’s large round shape, Joseon potters joined two hemispherical halves in the center. The joint is almost visible under the smooth white glaze but subtly flattens out between the halves. This moon jar, like many others, has mysterious spots—possibly residue from liquid the jar once contained or the result of a crystal growth from the slow cooling of the kiln. Either way, these stains have become a part of the identity of Joseon moon jars.

The authoritative record is held by Art Institute of Chicago. LinkedCulture surfaces this object and its connections; it does not alter institutional metadata.