Korea / Melon-shaped wine ewer / Koryô dynasty (918?1392), 12th century

Korea
Melon-shaped wine ewer
Koryô dynasty (918?1392), 12th century
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Creator Nationality: Asian; Far East Asian; Korean
Creator Dates/Places: Korea
Creator Name-CRT: Korea
Title: Melon-shaped wine ewer
View: Principal view
Creation Start Date: 1100
Creation End Date: 1199
Creation Date: Koryô dynasty (918?1392), 12th century
Object Type: Decorative Arts and Utilitarian Objects
Materials and Techniques: Stoneware with carved and incised design of bamboo under celadon glaze
Dimensions: H. 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm)
Description:

The graceful form, refined decoration, and lustrous blue-green glaze distinguish this ewer as one of the finest products of the Koryô celadon kilns at the peak of their production. The carved and incised decoration emulating the natural forms of melon and bamboo exemplify the Korean practice of drawing on nature for inspiration when working in clay.

This ewer, probably made to hold wine, originally may have been accompanied by a bowl-shaped basin, which, when filled with hot water, would have kept the contents of the ewer warm. Luxurious utilitarian celadon wares such as this example were favored by the aristocracy. Because they were from aristocratic families and had wealthy patrons, many Buddhist monks in the Koryô period also followed the practice of the nobility in using celadon ware.

AMICA Contributor: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Owner Location: New York, New York
ID Number: 1996.471
Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Roger G. Gerry, 1996
Copyright: Copyright ? 2002 The Metropolitan Museum of Art. All rights reserved.
Rights: http://www.metmuseum.org/education/er_photo_lib.asp
AMICA ID: MMA_.1996.471
AMICA Library Year: 2002
Media Metadata Rights: Copyright (c) 2002 The Metropolitan Museum of Art. All Rights Reserved

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