Celadon Incense Burner with Lion-shaped Lid

Basic information

Designation

National Treasure No.60

Category

Craft

Era

고려시대(12세기 전반)

Designated year

1962

Location

용산구, 서울특별시— 서울특별시 용산구 서빙고로 137 (용산동6가, 국립중앙박물관)

Coordinates

37.524041, 126.980350

This celadon incense burner, made in the 12th century when Goryeo’s celadon art reached its peak, has height of 21.2 centimeters and diameter of 16.3 centimeters; its body is engraved with cloud designs and supported by three zoomorphic feet and a lion-shaped lid. The lid shows a lion with its mouth open and seated with one leg bent on a pedestal decorated with floral motif. The animal has a full-frontal face; it is located slightly on one side of the lid, probably for some artistic effect. There are tight spiral curls on the nape of the neck and the lion’s hind part, with the tail raised and attached on the back. The burner is coated with light greenish blue glaze that emits an attractive gleam. It has a structure designed to allow the fumes from the burning incense to escape through the lion’s body and mouth. It is one of the great masterpieces made in the early 12th century when the celadon art of Goryeo was at the peak of its artistic development. Goryeo celadon artists during this period produced an abundance of celadon works inspired by various animal and plant forms. The lion-shaped incense burners made by Goryeo potters such as this were praised highly even among the connoisseurs of Song China where the art originated.

Location