Celadon Ewer in the Shape of a Fish-dragon

Basic information

Designation

National Treasure No.61

Category

Craft

Era

고려시대(12세기)

Designated year

1962

Location

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

Coordinates

37.524041, 126.980350

This celadon ewer, with height of 24.4 centimeters and whose base diameter is 10.3 centimeters, was made around the 12th century. It features the shape of a mythical animal with a dragon head and the body of a fish. The ewer has a spout shaped like a dragon head, with its teeth, fins, and tail coated with white slip. Elaborate techniques of carving, engraving, and incising are used for the realistic rendering of the details – the mane around the neck, scales covering the entire body, and conspicuously large, wing-like pectoral fins. The handle is made in the shape of twisted lotus stalks and nicely attached at the back, and the lid, in the shape of fish tail complete with fins. The appearance of the ewer exhibits a fantastic, complete creature rendered based on wild imagination combined with masterful carving techniques and beautifully applied jade-blue glaze. It is a unique example representing the great Goryeo celadon works conceived from the shapes of various auspicious creatures be they natural or imaginary.

Location