Korean Ceramic Celadon Bowl with Slip Inlay Goryeo Dynasty

Details

Description

Despite inspired originally by the celadons from Song dynasty in China, the development of celadon in Korean peninsula took its … Read more Despite inspired originally by the celadons from Song dynasty in China, the development of celadon in Korean peninsula took its own course and reached the zenith in the 11-12th century during Goryeo dynasty. One singularly distinguishable characteristic was the masterful slip inlay techniques which was uniquely Korean and specifically Goryeo. The potter first cut out the design on the clay, then filled with white or black slip inlay before a surface glaze was applied for firing. This process created contrasting designs that range from rustic, intricate to elaborate, depending on the kilns, production period as well as the purpose of consumption. The masterpieces from the peak of the production radiate with a beauty of purity that was often compared to water and jade. The inlay work can be dazzling for its intricacy.
The bowl on offer here was likely dated to the 14th century toward the end of Goryeo Dynasty after the production quality reached its zenith during 11-12th century. The bowl was likely a piece from a more mass production, apparently wheel-thrown, slightly misshaped, and with a more rustic slip inlay decoration. Three double chrysanthemums were featured in the interior, below the three-line band just beneath the rim. A circle of Ruyi heads (longevity fungus) was placed around the bottom roundel, which interestingly shows the potter's knife marks. The exterior is plain and the base retains sand residues as well as placing marks in the kiln.
The shape of the bowl is perfectly round viewing from above but from certain side angel, it appears titled due to the inconsistency in the height of the wall. The decoration is less precise compared to some other examples we also have on offer. These indicate that the production was probably aimed to the mass market instead of the aristocratic or royal households. However, these rather rustic attributes also imbue the piece with a folky charm that is not found in the more regal examples. When Goryeo Dynasty transitioned into Yi or Joseon Dynasty in the 15th century, celadon production was gradually reduced and replaced by Buncheong ware. Although technically derived from the former, the spirit of the Buncheong ware dwells exactly in its rustic charm, which was already discernible in the celadon piece like this one made from the late Goryeo period. See less