What the moon jar is The moon jar is a large white porcelain jar made in the late Joseon dynasty, It is 41 centimeters high and about 40 centimeters wide, so its height and width are almost equal, creating the shape of a full moon. It was produced during the late 17th or early 18th century of the Joseon Dynasty. RM, the leader of BTS, famously loves and collects modern Moon Jars. Also, if you watched the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics , you might remember that the giant Olympic flame cauldron was shaped exactly like this beautiful vessel! But the Moon Jar’s global journey started long before K-pop or the Olympics. In the early 20th century, the famous British potter Bernard Leach (1887–1979) visited Seoul. He was completely captivated by the Moon Jar, purchased one, and carefully carried it all the way back to Europe. He was the very first person to introduce this quiet Korean beauty to the Western art world. Today, the exact jar he took from Seoul sits proudly on display in th...
Have you ever noticed large, round stone basins placed near the entrances of these palaces? These are called "Deumu" (드므) , and they are more than just decorative water containers. 🏺 What is a Deumu? (드므) A Deumu is a large, round stone or ceramic water basin traditionally placed at the entrances of Korean palaces and noble residences. At first glance, it might seem like a simple water container, but its purpose is deeply rooted in Korean beliefs and practices. 🔥 Fire Prevention and Symbolism In ancient Korea, where buildings were primarily constructed of wood, fire was a constant threat. The Deumu served a practical purpose: it was filled with water to be readily available in case of fire. However, beyond its practical use, the Deumu held symbolic meaning. Water, in Korean culture, is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. By placing a Deumu filled with water at the entrance, it was thought to protect the building from both physical fires and male...