A BLUE AND WHITE 'DRAGON' JAR JOSEON DYNASTY, EARLY 19TH CENTURY |

of ovoid form, vividly painted in underglaze blue with four-clawed dragons among clouds, all decorated with a blue-tinged transparent glaze, Japanese wood box (3)

With three cracks to the rim, the longest apprx. 2.5 cm in length. The footring with minor scattered chips. Overall with wear, firing imperfections including glaze pulls at the neck, and patches of discolored craquelure. The vase leans slightly to one side.
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.

Broad-shouldered, narrow-waisted jars such as the present example were popular in Korea during the 17th-19th centuries when they were used as storage vessels or as vases for monumental floral displays at banquets and ceremonies. The rarest and most desirable examples were adorned with majestic striding dragons and have come to be known as yongjun (dragon jars). Compare a similar jar in the Ho-Am Art Museum included in the exhibition Art of Animals (3): Dragon, exhibition catalogue, Samsung Art and Culture Foundation, Seoul, 2000, cat. no 47