Celadon Cheolhwachochungjomun Maebyeong (Plum Vase)

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1383

Category

Craft

Era

고려시대(12세기)

Designated year

2003

Location

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

Coordinates

37.536528, 126.996187

Iron oxide celadon wares have underglaze decorations drawn in China clay containing iron oxide. They are considered similar to Chinese celadon ware from the Cizhou kiln in the Northern Song, in shape as well as in underglaze decorations. The glazed surface of these vessels often appears ochre-brown in color, as they were mostly fired in an oxidizing environment. The underglaze design is drawn in thick and bold brushstrokes, making it one of the Goryeo celadon wares with the liveliest appearance. This prunus vase has a mouth rim that is bent outward at an angle close to 180 degree, and its body, beneath a round shoulder, tapers minimally, forming almost straight sides. Given its shape, close to the shape of a Chinese prunus vase, this vase is considered an early Goryeo prunus vase, manufactured at a time when the shape of Goryeo-style prunus vase was not fully developed. The areas with underglaze decorations, realized in thick layers of China clay, are slightly thicker than the rest of the surface. The dark brown color has a rich hue and a discreet glow. The surface of the vase is divided into a top and bottom section by a horizontal line at the level of the shoulder. A chrysanthemum and scroll design is placed in the narrower top section, while the wider lower section is decorated with a large vine motif, appearing like a melon vine, and a large bird, two butterflies and a bee are placed above the vines. The glaze, although buff colored, is rather clear and shows no crackles. The foot was carved out from the inside, and there are traces of having been rested on a bed of large grain sand on the surface. A representative iron oxide-decorated Goryeo celadon, this prunus vase with original underglaze designs, realized in bold brushstrokes, and an ochre green glaze beautifully underlining the dark brown colors of the designs, is a true gem of ceramic art.

Location