Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Korean: Ceramics (2)

Late 18th - early 19th century Korean porcelain dish used in ceremonial rites of ancestor worship. The dish is concave so that the ceremonial meat or cake could be placed on it. Simple round shape and foot with slight waist express harmony needed for the ritual. Sand particles adhering to the foot and forming a circle on the dish itself (apparently those dishes were fired in stacks, so the circle is the print of a dish that was fired standing on this one)...

19th century Korean porcelain water dropper (used for diluting ink) in a shape of curled carp. According to a Chinese legend, a carp that can swim up the waterfall turns into a dragon, and thus serves as a paragon of perseverance, especially in scholarly pursuits. Free potting with nice depiction of fish’ scales, very nice underglaze blue wash, 2 openings for water. Old compressed dust on the surface, some scratching as to be expected, wonderful patina, overall in great shape...