Detail

`In commemoration of an exhibition of 354 artistic masterpieces representing 5000 years of Korean art being held in seven major cities of the United States form May 1, 1979, through June 30, 1981, the Ministry of Communications has been issuing several postage stamps intended to give a fresh image of Korea as a nation with an abundant and unique cultural heritage of supreme quality. The following two newly issued stamps are the second pair of the series. 1. A White Porcelain Jar with Grape Design in Underglaze Iron This large porcelain jar, 53.3cm in height, is presumed to be a product of the seventeenth century. It is reputed to be one of the finest handcraft works for the Yi Dynasty (1392-1910) because of the beautiful grape design drawn on its body. Designated as National Cultural Treasure No.107, it is now preserved in the museum of Ewha Women`s University in Seoul. Designs painted in underglaze iron began to appear in the early Yi Dynasty. In the middle Yi Dynasty the designs from the local kilns became highly abstract, while those from the government kilns remained realistic. This is a representative jar produced by the government kilns in the seventeenth century. 2. A Pottery Vessel in the shape of a Mounted Warrior This is one of the two vessels excavated in 1924 from the Golden Bell Tomb in Kyongju, and is designated as National Cultural Treasure No.91. The protrusion form the horse`s breast is the spout. Through the cup­shaped opening behind the back of the mounted figure water or liquor is poured into the body of the horse. The tail serves as the handle. This was used as a ceremonial vessel, and its sculpture is quite sophisticated. The nostrils and mouth are particularly lifelike.`