The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of April 18, 2024

Hollyhock-shaped Cup

Hollyhock-shaped Cup

1400s
(1392–1910)
porcelain
Overall: 3.6 cm (1 7/16 in.)
Anonymous Gift 1969.85
Location: not on view

Did You Know?

This cup shaped like a hollyhock flower was used in tea ceremonies to welcome visiting Chinese diplomats during the Joseon period (1392-1910).

Description

This very rare porcelain cup is called a hollyhock cup because its rim resembles a hollyhock blossom. This type of cup was produced only in the state-owned kiln for a limited time from the late 1400s to mid-1500s. Like sunflowers, hollyhocks also open their blooms toward the sun, signifying loyalty to the king. According to Korean royal archives, hollyhock cups were used during state banquets when the king offered wine to court officials. Also, a hollyhock-shaped cup was used in tea ceremonies to welcome visiting Chinese diplomats. In comparison to ceramic works of the late Joseon period that favor natural and rustic sensibilities seen in this gallery, this hollyhock cup illustrates the precision and perfection that were core aesthetic values of early Joseon period art.
  • 1969-
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • Kang, Kyeong-sook. History of Korean Ceramics [韓國陶磁史]. Seoul: Yekyong, 2012.
    Miguk, Han'guk misul ŭl mannada [미국, 한국 미술 을 만나다= Korean art from the United States]. Seoul: National Museum of Korea, 2012. Reproduced: cat. no. 72, p. 168
    Yoon, Hyo-jeong. "The Form and Characteristics of White Porcelain Gyuhwabae (葵花盃) in the Early Joseon Dynasty [조선전기 백자 규화배 葵花盃의 조형과 성격]." Yeoksa wa damron (2013): 413-454. www.dbpia.co.kr
    Treasures from Korea: Arts and Culture of the Joseon Dynasty, 1392-1910. Philadelphia: Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2014.
    Song, In-hee. "Tea Wears for Chinese Diplomats Record in the Protocols for Guest Rituals of 1609 [1609년 迎接都監米麵色儀軌의 중국사신 접대 器皿類]." Seokdang nonchong (2016): 131-172.
    Ch'a, Mi-rae, Kwi-suk An, Cleveland Museum of Art, and 국외소재문화재재단. The Korean Collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Edited by An Min-hŭi. First edition, English ed. Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Series, 16. Seoul, Republic of Korea: Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation, 2021. Mentioned and reproduced: P. 84
  • Korean Gallery 236 Rotation. The Cleveland Museum of Art (organizer) (January 29-July 16, 2018).
    Korean Art from the United States. National Museum of Korea, Seoul, Korea (Republic of) (organizer) (June 4-August 5, 2012).
    Asian Autumn: Masterpieces from the Collection. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (September 17, 1991-January 5, 1992).
    Year in Review: 1969. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (January 27-February 22, 1970).
  • {{cite web|title=Hollyhock-shaped Cup|url=false|author=|year=1400s|access-date=18 April 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1969.85