Celadon Lidded Prunus Vase with Incised Peony Design and Inlaid Wrapping Cloth Design

This celadon prunus vase with lid, decorated with incised peony designs and an inlaid wrapping-cloth pattern, was made in the Goryeo period and stands 35.4 cm high with a diameter of 22.1 cm. Around its wide mouth rim the profile forms a soft S-curve. Although it appears richly decorated, the overall form is simple: in particular, the inlaid decoration is confined to the top, while incised designs occupy the body and the section below it, dividing the overall design scheme into two. The shoulder of the vessel is full, with a chrysanthemum scroll design inlaid in black and white around the rim of the mouth. A decoration resembling a square silk wrapping cloth draped over the shoulder stands out, and a continuous bead pattern lends a subdued splendour. On the body, a single spray of peony flower and leaves is incised on each of the four sides, and below the waist a cloud design suggesting the movement of waves is carved. A band of white-inlaid lightning-scroll pattern encircles the mouth of the vase, and an incised band of the same lightning-scroll pattern decorates the edge of the foot. The clay body is relatively fine and clean, with fine crackle covering the whole surface and a bluish-grey lustre. It is also distinctive that the peony design is rendered upright. This technique combining incising and inlay can also be seen in shards from the celadon kiln site at Yucheon-ri, Boan-myeon, Buan-gun, Jeollabuk-do.

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Where it is

Region

Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Designation

Treasure · 보물