Dumbeong Bowl, Warped in the Kiln

A so-called "full-dumbeong" bowl, dipped entirely in white slip before firing. Dark specks bleed through the milky surface, and the rim buckled into waves inside the kiln.

The potter may well have discarded this "jjigeuri" — yet to today's eye it is a one-of-a-kind form. Held in the hand, the warp falls exactly where the fingers want it.

Related Objects in Museum Collections

A few related objects found on Korea’s e-Museum by searching for “분청사기 완”. Comparing their forms is a quiet pleasure.