A PUNCH'ONG SLIP-DECORATED STONEWARE FLASK JOSEON DYNASTY |

the horizontal ovoid form raised on a high splayed oval foot and surmounted by a narrow waisted neck rising to an everted mouth, covered overall with brushed white slip, each side decorated boldly in iron brown with intertwined ginseng leaves, the shoulder with sparse iron-brown foliate design centering the short neck, one side of the body with an unglazed countersunk ring, the foot ring and base unglazed, Japanese wood box (3) 

Overall in good condition, with a few minor areas of glaze loss, wear, and firing imperfections. The vessel leans and the footring is slightly uneven.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

During the 15th and 16th centuries, punch’ong wares were produced in the Kyerongsan mountains located in Chunchongnam-do. Punch’ong wares were identified by dark gray body from the high iron content of the clay in this region, and the boldly painted abstract designs, as shown shown on the present flask. The shape of this flask is traditionally referred to ‘rice-bale’, as it was commonly used to store rice wine or other liquids. Compare a similar flask in the Taum Collection, illustrated in Tuam Kim Yong-Du Sojap'un Torol, Seoul, 1993, pl.133