| Description |
Ceramic bowl in the celadon (cheongja) tradition; Short, round bowl with rounded lid probably designed as a cosmetic box; Lid is decorated with a cloud and crane motif, which is associated with Buddhism; The crane designs have not been encircled, a motif that traditionally represents male animals; At apex of lid there is a by double black fine line circle, a design that is mirrored at the base of the lid and just below the mouth of the base; Flower-like shape framing single Korean character is stamped just above the rim of the base. The celadon tradition was begun in China and perfected in Korea during the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392 CE); Typified by their pale green or blue-green luster reminiscent of jade and a super smooth glaze, celadon pieces were traditionally decorated with a variety of techniques, including carvings, incising, impressing and an intricate inlay technique unique to Korea known as sanggam, where designs are carved on the surface and colored clay inlaid before applying the slip; The layers are then carved away to reveal the varying colors. |
