Bowl with inlaid inscription, 1420 - 1450, Joseon period. Stoneware with white inlay under transparent glaze; gold lacquer repairs. H: 8.5 W: 19.0 cm, Korea. Gift of Charles Lang, Freer F1898.86 © 2014 Smithsonian Institution

This bowl made for table use is an example of the common Joseon-period ware called buncheong, which is characterized by decoration executed with white slip (liquid clay) inlaid into densely stamped or incised motifs, then coated with a clear glaze. Around the outside of this bowl are stamped the characters for the name of a government office, Gunwi insubu, located in Gyeongsangbuk-do province. The office called insubu was in charge of warehouses used to store pottery acquired for official use. This bowl was probably made to order at a pottery workshop within Gyeongsangbuk-do province.