Offering Bowl

Currently not on view

Offering Bowl

Early 20th century, possibly 1937

Artist/maker unknown, Korean

Bowls like this one have historically been used for food offerings in Buddhist rituals. The writing on this example reads (translated): “Wishing a long life for Min Kyung Bok who was born on the 10th day of the 4th month in 1937.” Executed in han-gul (Korean) calligraphy in the so-called "printing" style, the incised inscription creates the illusion of a deliberately hidden brush tip at the end of each brushstroke (the mark left by a hidden brush tip does not taper as that left by a regular brush tip in that the calligrapher reverses the direction of the brush at the point where he wants the stroke to stop on the writing surface, ending his stroke on an area where the ink of his brush has already touched, thus the tip is "hidden").

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Offering Bowl

Date:

Early 20th century, possibly 1937

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Korean

Medium:

Brass

Dimensions:

2 1/4 x 4 3/4 inches (5.7 x 12.1 cm)

Classification:

Containers

Credit Line:

Gift of Richard Samson, 1968

Accession Number:

1968-234-1

Geography:

Made in Korea, Asia

Context:

Dynasty: Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910)

We are always open to learning more about our collections and updating the website. Does this record contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Contact us here.

Please note that this particular artwork might not be on view when you visit. Don’t worry—we have plenty of exhibitions for you to explore.

Currently not on view