Korean moon jar sells for over $4.5 million at Christie’s New York auction

An 18th-century Korean moon jar was sold for $4.56 million at a Christie’s New York auction on Monday, well exceeding the $1 million estimation.

The moon jar previously belonged to a private owner in Japan. It is 45.1 centimeters (17.7 inches) tall, which is considered quite big for a Korean traditional moon jar.

Moon jars are a type of round, white porcelain jar made during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), especially during the 18th century.

“Fine 18th-century moon jars are extremely rare, and this gentle white sphere is a superb example,” reads the lot description on Christie’s New York.
 
A total of 19 pieces of Korean art, including porcelain jars and paintings, were listed at the Japanese and Korean Art auction on Monday, including a smaller white porcelain moon jar from a similar era that sold for $100,800.

A painting titled “Three Seated Women” (1962) by Park Soo-keun (1914-65) sold for $441,000.

BY CHO YONG-JUN [cho.yongjun1@joongang.co.kr]