The Production of Blue and White Porcelain with Bi-Shaped Bottom at the End of the Ming Dynasty and Its Influence on White Porcelain of Royal Kiln in the 17th Century of Joseon Dynasty

Abstract

The shape and size of the bowl vary depending on the region and the times. A bowl used every day does not change its shape significantly. Over time, the detailed shape and size of the bowl gradually change. The shape of the bowl may change due to various factors, such as changing the climate environment, growing social scale, and changing the composition of the community's changes. However, it is difficult to clearly analyze the cause and time of the difference in the shape of the bowl that changes according to gradual cultural changes. On the other hand, if there is a bowl of unusual shape and pattern, the cause and change of its appearance can be directly inferred. The white porcelain with bi-shaped bottom made in Joseon and Japan, including China in the 17<sup>th</sup> century, is a prominent formative element in the ceramic culture of the three East Asian countries. Since the production period is limited and the appearance is special, it is also used as a material to determine the production period. In fact, bi-shaped bottom is recognized as one of the important characteristics of white porcelain in the 17<sup>th</sup> century in the study of Joseon ceramic history. Due to their preference for antiques, which were popular in the late Ming Dynasty, the characteristics of the previous period’s Ming Royal kiln ceramics were reflected in the products of commercial kiln’s white porcelain in China at that time. The contact between Joseon and China, which was caused by the Japanese Invasion of Joseon in 1592 and the Manchu war of 1636, allowed the Joseon royal family and the capital city to use various Chinese porcelain, including blue and white porcelain with bi-shaped bottom. After the Japanese Invasion of Korea, Joseon gave sincere services to the Ming court, diplomats and made the form Chinese. Later, in the 17<sup>th</sup> century, Joseon Royal kiln produced white porcelain ref lecting the characteristics of Chinese vessels, and it can be understood that white porcelain with bi-shaped bottom also appeared in this trend.