Joseon Blue-and-White Porcelain Brush Stand with Grapevine Design in Openwork

This is a blue-and-white brush stand fired during Korea's Joseon Dynasty. It is also possible that it was used as an censer (incense burner). The body swells into a barrel shape, featuring an openwork pattern that encircles the center. Openwork is a sculptural technique in which the material is carved all the way through to create a design. The motif consists of grapes and large leaves, with intertwining branches densely winding between them. A characteristic of Joseon-era openwork is that while the surface is smooth, the reverse side is carved with bold, vigorous strokes. The grapes and leaves are rendered with a three-dimensional quality through incised line work. Lotus petal designs in relief adorn the top and bottom sections. Only the openwork elements are decorated with underglaze blue in a refreshing hue, further accentuating the three-dimensional effect. The piece is coated overall in a slightly opaque glaze, creating the beautiful appearance of fine white porcelain. It features a ring foot, with the resting surface left unglazed. There is one tiny chip on the foot.It has good luster throughout and is in good condition. Traces of dirt from use remain in the openwork crevices; please enjoy this as part of the piece's antique character.