Grapevine, ewer
(18th century-19th century)
Medium
stoneware, bamboo, metal
Measurements
(a-b) 18.5 × 14.0 × 10.5 cm (variable) (overall)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased with funds donated by Vivienne Fried, 2022
Gallery location
Level 1, NGV International
About this work
During the Joseon dynasty (1392–1910), simple white porcelain produced for daily use represented the tranquillity of nature and the purity of Confucian ideals. Jars, bottles, bowls and ewers were white or decorated with minimal cobalt blue, iron brown or copper-red glazed representations of nature and auspicious symbols. This simple white ewer is spherical in form with a classical four-sided curving spout. It features expressive minimalist decoration of a grapevine and grapes, symbolising fertility and prosperity, brushed with copper-red glaze.