Small Korean Celadon Oil Jar with Slip Inlay Goryeo Dynasty

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A small Korean ceramic celadon oil jar with inlay design from Goryeo Dynasty (918 to 1392AD) circa 12-13th century. This … Read more A small Korean ceramic celadon oil jar with inlay design from Goryeo Dynasty (918 to 1392AD) circa 12-13th century. This type of mini jars from Goryeo period, were made specifically to hold cosmetic oil in woman's quarter. The surface ornamentation was achieved by black and white slip-inlays, a typical decorative technique used at the time. The motif is rather rudimental with four chrysanthemum flowers flanked by a few simple strokes of black leaves. This indicates that the jar was likely mass-produced as vernacular household items. Curiously, the entire surface lacks the clear glaze that normally shows fine crackles. It was possibly made this way, or one possible explanation is that the jar was in a shipwreck and spent significantly time under the water.
Reference: For a nearly identical; oil jar, see Object number 65.240 in the collection of Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, Cornell University.
For examples of a group of oil jars with various decoration see 1991,0813.4 in the collection of the British Musuem. See less