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In line with the policy to regularly replace and renew definitive postage
stamps, the 400-won stamp of "the water dropper, blue and white porcelain
in the shape of a cock" that had been in use since August 28, 1995 will
be replaced with the "celadon pitcher in the shape of a turtoise" as of
April 11, 2003.
The turtle-shaped pitcher was produced during the Goryeo Kingdom in
the early 12th century and displays the sophisticated craftsmanship of
the times. The pitcher takes the shape of a turtoise sitting on a lotus-shaped
Buddha's seat. The stalk of the lotus flower is twined to form the handle.
The head and the neck of the turtoise resemble the head of a dragon, as
can be commonly witnessed in the turtle bases of stone monuments of the
Goryeo Kingdom. The back of the turtoise has a hole covered with rolled
lotus leaves to pour water into the pitcher. The stopper and handle in
the shape of lotus flower buds previously had loops from which strings
could be hung but the stopper has been lost through time. The back of the
turtoise is engraved with hexagonal patterns of the turtle back, at the
center of which is engraved the Chinese letter '?', meaning the King. The
stalk of the lotus flower comprising the handle was embellished with white
and black dots at intervals. This grayish blue vase with a hint of light
green does not have much luster. It is 17.3 centimeters in height and has
been designated as National Treasure No. 96. The pitcher is preserved at
the National Museum of Korea.
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Original information and image from Korea
Post Museum
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