Celadon Yanggakdocheolmun Banghyeong Incense Burner

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1026

Category

Craft

Era

고려시대

Designated year

1990

Location

용산구, 서울특별시— 서울특별시 용산구 이태원로55길 60-16 (한남동) 삼성미술관 리움

Coordinates

37.538100, 126.995500Museum-based location

This incense burner was made after the square bronze cauldrons from the Zhou Dynasty of China. It has height of 11.8 cm; its mouth measures 17.5 cm × 14.9 cm, and the base, 12.5 cm × 9.4 cm. The square shape is modified softly into an inverse trapezoid with narrow bottom and wide top. Two angled hooks were attached on top, with a pair of cicadas sculptured on each of the four corners. Although the inner side of the burner is left plain, the handle and the chin are decorated with a lightning design using the pressing technique. The outer surface of the burner is filled with patterns using the same technique, whereas a series of concentric circles and cyclone design is alternately positioned inside squares. In the background is a neat design with serene lightning patterns. The entire surface is evenly covered with a thin film of jade green glaze, allowing the exquisite designs to be seen in detail. The engraved ornamental design is especially excellent since it was made using the shallow pressing technique. In terms of the materials used and the way they are laid out, the designs on the burner perfectly match its function as a ritual vessel. Based on its style, it is believed to be one of the best celadon incense burners made in the earlier part of the 12th century.

Location