The Asymmetry of the Korean Moon Jar

The Asymmetry of the Korean Moon Jar




The ‘Moon Jar (Dalhangari)’ is a traditional Korean porcelain produced during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), specifically during the reign of King Sukjong, to King Jeongjo (1661-1800). Its name is derived from its round shape resembling a moon (Dal). It lacks decoration, and the surface color is close to a pure milky white. The body is not perfectly round, featuring an asymmetrical shape, tilted to one side. Until the early 20th century, it was known only to a small number of collectors as an ‘art piece’. However, in recent times, it has gained recognition as an important cultural asset, and considered a symbol of Korean history and culture. It was exhibited in the National Museum of Korea, and has appeared at events including the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics.