Detail

`In line with the plan to regularly replace definitive postage stamps, the 500-won postage stamp featuring the celadon water dropper in the shape of a pomegranate that has been in use since November 6, 1995, will be replaced with the white porcelain bottle with underglaze iron-painted rope design as of July 11, 2003. This white porcelain bottle with underglaze iron-painted rope design was made during the Joseon period. Among the white porcelains of the Joseon period, this bottle is highlighted by its unique decorative patterns. The bottleneck is tied with a kont with the strand hanging loose which is rolled into a round shape. Oxidized ferric paint with a touch of a brownish hue was used on the surface in different shades to exhibit a natural and refined look that portrays the feeling that an actual knot had been tied. The bottleeneck is slender to enable easy handling while the the distended mid section of the bottle holds an abundant amount of liquor. The base of the bottle is high and wide, and the inner bottom carries the Hangul inscription of 「니나히」. Underglaze iron-painted white porcelains produced during the 15th and 16th centuries are extremely rare, as they became popular in the 17th century. This white porcelain is one of the more rare specimens made during the late 16th century and is representative of the white porcelains of the Joseon period demonstrating unique patterns. It is displayed at the National Museum of Korea. The bottle is 31.4 centimeters in height, the diameter of the opening of the bottle is 7 centimeters and the diameter of the base is 10.6 centimeters. (Treasure No. 1060)`