• Ming Dynasty, 1426-1435, China
• Idemitsu Museum of Arts

This jar bears the inscription “宣德年製” (Made in the Xuande Reign) immediately below the mouth, identifying it as a product of the Xuande period (1426–1435) of the Ming Dynasty. Its form closely resembles the blue-and-white porcelain wine jar illustrated in the Wine Cup Article of the Preface to “Gillye” (Auspicious Rites) section in the Five Rites appended to the Annals of King Sejong (published in 1454) as well as the “Garye” (Capping and Wedding Rites) section of the Gukjo oryeui seorye, a revised and expanded version of the Five Rites published in 1474. A record from the seventh month in 1430, during the King Sejong’s reign, notes that Joseon received Blue-and-white Wine Jar Decorated with Cloud and Dragon Design from Ming Dynasty, China. This suggests that the vessel illustrated in the official ritual manuals was based on an actual imported object. It is likely that this jar was used in royal ceremonies prior to the production of Korean blue-and-white porcelain dragon jars (yongjun).