Korean Ceramic Celadon Deep Bowl Goryeo Dynasty

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A ceramic bowl with celadon glaze from Korea, circa 14th century (late Goryeo Dynasty). The particular shape of the bowl … Read more A ceramic bowl with celadon glaze from Korea, circa 14th century (late Goryeo Dynasty). The particular shape of the bowl suggests that it is likely a "Bo" (Chinese) or "Hattara" (Japanese "Oryoki"). This is a Buddhism term derived from Sanskrit word "patra", which means "vessel that contains just enough". The container was used traditionally by Buddhist monks to ask for alms (donated foods by laymen). The deep volume and the wide opening are conducive to its utility function. The bowl is covered in a jade-color celadon which has very fine and uniform crackles throughout. Upon close inspection of the exterior wall, one can detect a very light brush of white slip circumventing the body. The white slip brushing technique only became popular from 15th century on as a landmark of the Buncheong ceramics. This helps to date the piece to the end of Goryeo as a transitional period. The simple form and unadorned glaze are in alignment with the austerity of the monastery life. Under the rim, there is an old kintsugi repair on a small chip. An old paper label identifies the piece and dated it to the 13th century, but we think it is of a slightly later age at 14th century. See less