Buncheong Prunus Vase with Inlaid Peony Design

This buncheong ware vase was made in the early Joseon period; it stands 28cm high, with a mouth diameter of 5.8cm and a base diameter of 17cm. The vase was made using the myeon-sanggam (surface-inlay) technique, one of the new decorative methods that emerged as celadon inlay evolved into buncheong ware. On the body, a scrolling flower design is inlaid in white with a bold and free hand, while the spaces between the petals and vines are inlaid in a vivid black, adding a distinctive effect to the white surface inlay. A pale green, transparent glaze covers the surface, and the inlaid patterns show through clearly against the texture of the dark greyish clay body. In overall shape, the body is round, the waist narrow, and the foot broad. The curves distinctive of the early Joseon period clearly show the transition from the neat, compact prunus-vase style of the Goryeo period to that of early Joseon. During the Korean War, the house of its then owner, Chang Taek-sang, burned down, and the vase miraculously survived intact amid the ashes, though its original form was somewhat altered, which is regrettable. Nevertheless, its pictorial expression achieved through the bold surface-inlay technique makes it an outstanding work.

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Where it is

Region

Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk

Designation

Treasure · 보물