Detail

`The Ministry of communications is scheduled to issue 10 kinds of postage stamps this year, on five occasions, depicting Korean ceramics which are considered to be national treasures. The White Pocelain Jar with Grape Design in Underglaze Iron and the Celadon Vase with Bamboo­shaped Reeding in Relief have been chosen as the theme for the 1st of this series of postage stamps. 1. White Porcelain Jar with Grape Design in Underglaze Iron: This porcelain jar, which is National Treasure No.93, was manufactured sometime in the 17th century during the Yi dynasty by a government kiln in Kwanju, Gyeonggi­do Province. It is 30.8cm high, with 16.4cm in diameter at mouth and 15cm in diameter at bottom. Grape designs are painted in underglaze iron on the beautiful and stylish space of this jar, and the delicate crackles on the surface are covered evenly with milky white glaze. This porcelain jar is preserved at the National Museum in Seoul. 2. Celadon Vase with Bamboo­shaped Reeding in Relief: This celadon vase, National Treasure No. 169, was made in the Koryo period sometime in the 12th century. Its height is 33.75cm and is 8.45cm and 13.5cm in diameter at mouth and bottom, respecctively. The reeded decoration of bamboo stems in relief covers the whole body of the vase vertically, and the joints of the bamboo are intagliated, presenting a linear beauty, well harmonized with the bluish green surface having a few crackles. The elegant and stable shape of this vase is indeed unexcelled.`