Jar With Dragon Design (1700s CE)

This Jar with Dragon Design, an exquisite example of Korean ceramic artistry from the 1700s, hails from the Joseon dynasty (1392–1910). Crafted from porcelain with underglaze cobalt blue, the jar features a dynamic depiction of a dragon amidst clouds, pursuing a flaming, wish-granting pearl known as a cintamani. Its elegant form and intricate symbolism offer a glimpse into the royal aesthetics and cultural values of Joseon Korea.

Originating in the 18th century during the Joseon dynasty, this jar was produced for the royal court, likely in palaces such as Gyeongbokgung or Changdeokgung in Seoul. The Joseon dynasty, deeply rooted in Confucian ideals, reserved dragon imagery for royal use, as the dragon symbolized the king’s divine mandate and authority. The jar, designed to hold floral arrangements, reflects the period’s advanced ceramic techniques and the exclusive use of cobalt blue, a costly imported pigment. Its creation aligns with the height of Joseon’s porcelain production, a time when the royal court commissioned such vessels to showcase power and refinement.

Dragon-decorated vessels were central to Joseon court life. Legends surrounding the cintamani pearl, depicted on the jar, tell of dragons striving to possess this mystical jewel, believed to grant wishes and embody divine power. Such stories, rooted in Buddhist and Daoist traditions, likely resonated with court artisans and royalty, who saw the dragon’s pursuit as a metaphor for the king’s quest for wisdom and harmony. The jar’s presence in the royal court would have sparked admiration for its craftsmanship and its embodiment of cosmic order.

The dragon, or yong, was a potent symbol of royal authority, believed to control rain and protect the land, aligning with the king’s role as a divine intermediary. Its depiction with the cintamani pearl underscores themes of cosmic harmony, spiritual enlightenment, and prosperity, central to Confucian, Buddhist, and shamanistic beliefs. The jar’s use in the royal court for floral arrangements highlights its ritualistic role in palace ceremonies, where aesthetics reinforced political and spiritual authority. Artistically, the vessel exemplifies the Joseon dynasty’s mastery of underglaze blue porcelain, blending technical precision with symbolic depth.

The jar is crafted from porcelain, a material prized for its durability and translucence, and decorated with underglaze cobalt blue, a technique requiring meticulous skill due to the pigment’s high cost and firing challenges. The dragon and clouds are painted with fluid, expressive brushstrokes, showcasing the artisan’s expertise. The jar measures 39.5 cm (15 9/16 in.) in height and has a base diameter of 14.7 cm (5 13/16 in.), proportions that emphasize its tall, graceful form suited for floral displays. The cobalt blue, imported from China or the Middle East, underscores the jar’s status as a luxury item.

The jar’s early provenance is tied to the Joseon royal court, where it was likely used in palace settings. Its journey from Korea to the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it now resides, is not fully documented, but many such artifacts entered Western collections in the 19th and 20th centuries through trade, diplomatic exchanges, or art market acquisitions.