Detail

`In line with the policy to regularly replace and renew definitive postage stamps, the 400-won stamp of ``the water dropper, blue and white porcelain in the shape of a cock`` that had been in use since August 28, 1995 will be replaced with the ``celadon pitcher in the shape of a turtoise`` as of April 11, 2003. The turtle-shaped pitcher was porduced during the Goryeo Kingdom in the early 12th century and displays the sophisticated craftsmanship of the times. The pitcher takes the shape of a turtoise sitting on a lotus-shaped Buddha`s seat. The stalk of the lotus flower is twined to form the handle. The head and the neck of the turtoise resemble the head of a dragon, as can be commonly witnessed in the turtle bases of stone monuments of the Goryeo Kingdom. The back of the turtoise has a hole covered with rolled lotus leaves to pour water into the pitcher. The stopper and handle in the shape of lotus flower buds previously had loops from which strings could be hung but the stopper has been lost through time. The back of the turtoise is engraved with hexagonal patterns of the turtle back, at the center of which is engraved the Chinese letter `王`, meaning the King. The stalk of the lotus flower comprising the handle was embellished with white and black dots at intervals. This grayish blue vase with a hint of light green does not have much luster. It is 17.3 centimeters in height and has been designated as National Treasure No. 96. The pitcher is preserved at the National Museum of Korea.`