Bird shaped vessels are a unique part of Korean ceramic history and culture. They come in many shapes like ducks, chickens, quails, pheasants and more. These vessels were both functional pieces used for storing foods like soy sauce or vinegar as well as decorative pieces displayed in Korean homes. Some key questions to answer are:
What are some examples of bird shaped vessels in Korea?
The most common bird shaped vessels in Korea are duck-shaped jars called malli-jeok used for storing soy sauce or vinegar. Other types include hen-shaped jars called dalkkuk-jeok, quail-shaped vessels called cholmi-jeok, pheasant-shaped vessels called kkwong-jeok, as well as goose, crane, peacock, and even owl shaped vessels.
How were they traditionally made in Korea?
Bird shaped vessels were made by hand on a potter’s wheel using techniques like coil building and pinch pots to shape the body. Details like feathers and beaks were hand sculpted and carved afterward. Firing temperatures ranged based on the clay body and intended use, from low 900°C for porous containers to higher 1200°C temperatures for glazed wares.
When did they become popular in Korea?
Bird shaped vessels have been found dating back to the Bronze Age Mumun pottery period in Korea starting around 1500 BCE. Their popularity grew during the Goryeo Dynasty from 918-1392 CE known for quality celadon wares. Bird shaped vessels flourished during the Joseon Dynasty 1392-1897 CE as ceramic production thrived and were common in homes.
What materials and glazes were used?
The most common material used was porcelain made from kaolin clay. But earthenwares like buncheong with grayish blue glazes were also used. In the Joseon period, white porcelain was popular along with celadon, black copper oxides, and punch’ong wafer glazes.
What were the common uses and symbolism?
Bird vessels were both decorative objects and functional food containers holding items like soy sauce, vinegar, bean paste and kimchi. Symbolically birds represented good omens, prosperity, fertility and peace. Certain birds had Taoist symbolism – cranes for longevity, mandarin ducks for marital fidelity.
Malli-Jeok – Duck Shaped Soy Sauce Jars
Malli-jeok, also called mori or chogi-jeok, are the most common type of bird shaped vessels – jars shaped like ducks used for storing soy sauce or vinegar. Here are some key features of malli-jeok:
– Materials: Malli-jeok are most often made of white porcelain. Buncheong gray stonewares with blue-green glazes were also used.
– Shape: These jars resemble a duck floating in water. The duck’s body forms the jar’s rounded base with a long neck for pouring. The head is realistically sculpted.
– Size: Malli-jeok jars range in size but are typically 5-12 inches high and 4-8 inches wide. Smaller ones held only a few ounces while larger jars could hold over a gallon.
– Decorations: Plain undecorated malli-jeok were most common. But some feature painted designs in iron oxides or inlaid slip trailing.
– Lid: Malli-jeok jars have small cylindrical lids often with a knob handle shaped like a lotus bud.
– Uses: Malli-jeok were used to store and pour soy sauce or vinegar tableside. Their charming shape made them decorative too.
History of Malli-Jeok
Malli-jeok first appeared during the Goryeo Dynasty around the 12th century. But they became most popular during the Joseon Dynasty as ceramic production boomed. They were common in Korean homes by the 18th century. Malli-jeok remained staples into the 20th century until being replaced by glass soy sauce bottles. Today antique malli-jeok are sought after by collectors and museums.
Symbolism of Malli-Jeok
Beyond being cute decorative pieces, malli-jeok duck jars held symbolic meaning in Korea:
– Ducks represent fidelity, fertility, peace, prosperity
– Ducks mate for life – gave them marital symbolism
– Ducks care tenderly for their young – represented family
– Ducks float smoothly, calmly on water – evoked tranquility
So malli-jeok embodied Korean virtues like commitment, nurturing family life, and harmony. Displaying them brought these qualities to the home.
Other Common Bird Shaped Vessels
While duck vessels were the most popular, Korea produced many other types of bird shaped containers. Here are some common varieties:
Hen-Shaped Jars – Dalkkuk-Jeok
– Shape: These jars have a rounded body with a short neck resembling a hen or rooster. Some have sculpted tail feathers.
– Use: Dalkkuk-jeok held items like soy sauce, vinegar, chili paste. Hens symbolized protection.
Quail-Shaped Jars – Cholmi-Jeok
– Shape: These tiny jars sit plump like a quail with small openings and lids.
– Use: Cholmi-jeok held small amounts of precious ingredients like spices, medicines, or perfumes. Quails represented warmth and nourishment.
Pheasant-Shaped Vases – Kkwong-Jeok
– Shape: Kkwong-jeok resemble standing pheasants with long necks, tails, and detailed feathers.
– Use: Used decoratively to display a few flowers. Pheasants symbolized nobility and beauty.
Goose, Crane & Owl Shaped Vessels
Korea also produced vessels shaped like geese, cranes, peacocks, and even owls. Geese signify happiness and fidelity. Cranes represent good fortune and long life. Peacocks are auspicious symbols in Buddhism. Owls have Taoist symbolism for guardianship and protection.
Bird Motifs & Designs
When not made fully bird shaped, common Korean ceramics feature painted bird motifs and designs:
– Plum Blossom Mallard: One of the most popular motifs is a flying mallard among plum blossoms – symbolizing courage, love, spring.
– Swallows: Swallows represent the coming of spring, happiness, fertility
– Cranes: Images of cranes stand for good fortune, longevity.
– Peacocks & Phoenixes: These mythical birds symbolize beauty, power and rebirth.
So realistic bird vessels or simple bird motifs both carried layers of meaning about Korean culture and philosophy.
Bird Vessels for Food Service
Beyond symbolism, bird shaped jars and bottles played an important functional role in Korean cuisine for centuries:
- Stored and served various sauces like soy sauce, vinegar, fermented bean paste
- Poured oils and sesame oil at the table
- Held chili pastes and gochujang sauces for dipping
- Contained rice wines, spirits, and vinegars used for marinades and pickling
- Carried other pantry ingredients like honey, spices, sesame
So while decorative, bird vessels were essential for Korean cooking and food culture.
The following table summarizes some of the common food uses for various Korean bird shaped vessels:
| Vessel Type | Food Use |
|---|---|
| Malli-jeok – Duck jars | Soy sauce, vinegars, oils |
| Dalkkuk-jeok – Hen jars | Soy sauce, chili paste |
| Cholmi-jeok – Quail jars | Spices, sesame oils, vinegars |
| Kkwong-jeok – Pheasant Vases | Decorative |
Having the sauce or ingredients in charming bird shaped vessels brought a touch of whimsy and symbolism to Korean dining customs.
Bird Shaped Vessels Today
While mostly antiques today, some modern Korean ceramicists still hand make bird shaped vessels continuing this tradition:
- Antique pieces are prized by collectors and museums like the National Folk Museum of Korea.
- Contemporary ceramic artists produce bird vessels among their works.
- Some traditional folk villages demonstrate bird vessel crafting.
- Ceramics competitions have categories for bird shaped vessels.
So this iconic form still continues to capture the Korean aesthetic. Bird shapes and motifs remain popular in modern Korean pottery as well.
These charming vessels with layers of meaning give insight into Korea’s ceramics history and food culture. Birds conferred ideas of fidelity, prosperity, peace, and beauty. Displaying bird vessels brought these virtues into Korean homes. And using birds to serve and store food gave dining a symbolism and whimsy lost with modern glass bottles. The Koreans’ ingenuity transforming functional jars into fanciful ducks, hens, and cranes is a testament to their artistic spirit.
Conclusion
In summary, bird shaped vessels hold a unique place in Korea’s cultural heritage. Originating centuries ago, these whimsical jars, vases, and bottles took forms like ducks, quails, pheasants and more. Malli-jeok or duck soy sauce jars were the most common. Beyond being cute objects, bird vessels carried layers of symbolism about fidelity, prosperity, longevity and other Korean virtues. Functionally they served important roles storing and serving various foods at the table. While mostly antiques today, bird shaped ceramics are still practiced as a traditional Korean artform. These avian vessels offer insight into creativity, philosophy, and dining customs stretching back generations in Korean history.
