Celadon Eumgagyongmun Pitcher

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1228

Category

Craft

Era

12세기 전반 초기

Designated year

1995

Location

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

Coordinates

37.538427, 126.965444

This celadon ewer dates from the Goryeo Dynasty and measures 21.1㎝ in height, 6.7㎝ in mouth diameter and 8.4㎝ in bottom diameter. The ewer displays images of dragons which are not yet fully a dragon, but are poised to rise to heavens for the first time. The mouth is rather wide, compared to the size, but the ewer in the shape of a flask with a handle attached on one side is well-balanced overall. The spout and the body of the ewer are divided into three parts, by two horizontal bands of lightning motifs. The dragon design is placed in four areas in the upper part of the body. The dragons are in pairs of two, one with a long triangular face and the other with a square face, probably representing a female and a male dragon. The wide-mouthed ewer has a short neck and a low-rising flared foot. The sharp bend in the top section of the handle and the long, slender spout suggest that the ewer was modeled on a metal ewer. Based on the finely incised lightning and dragon designs, this well-crafted ewer appears to date from sometime in the early 12th century. A one-of-a kind ewer with a highly unusual shape, this celadon ware is presumed to have been made in the kiln of Gangjin, Jeollanam-do.

Location