Joseon White Porcelain Ritual Vessel, Footed Round Dish

For a few years now, I've been quietly smitten with these little things. Walk into any antique shop or a fiercely contested auction house, and all eyes are on the big, round moon jars. While everyone else is busy chasing that grand presence, I got to smile to myself and gather these beautiful pieces, one by one.

This is a "white porcelain footed round dish," made during the Joseon dynasty in the 18th–19th century. It's a proper ritual vessel (祭器) that once sat on the table set for one's ancestors — a flat round dish resting neatly atop a tall, graceful foot.

And here's a delightful fact: this humble dish was made from exactly the same clay and the same glaze — even in the same place — as that great moon jar that commands staggering sums at auction.

So how might we use this well-bred Joseon white porcelain dish in everyday life?

A ritual vessel was originally filled with gratitude offered to one's ancestors, and with the earnest wish for the good fortune of those of us living today. True to that lovely purpose, why not let it quietly hold the things that bring you luck, or the objects that carry a wish for your own well-being?

Let me share one of our GOBOKII customers' more delightful uses. He owns several cars, and he took a few of these dishes home — setting car key No. 1 on one, car key No. 2 on another, and the key to bike No. 3 on a third, then happily heading off for a ride.

Imagine starting the engine each morning as you leave the house, blessed by the spirit of centuries-old Joseon porcelain. Sleek modern car and motorcycle keys resting nonchalantly on an old Joseon vessel — it makes for a scene that is wonderfully absurd and utterly charming.

It needn't be anything grand. Your everyday house key, an earring, a small object that fills you with gratitude each time you see it — all are wonderful. Instead of keeping it locked behind museum glass, set a Joseon white porcelain dish in a corner of your room: your own fond little pedestal, wishing you good fortune every day. Just as I do.