Celadon Bowls and Dish with Inlaid Peony Design

This set, made during the Goryeo dynasty, consists of three alms bowls (balu) measuring 4.4–7.3 cm in height, 16.1–18.9 cm in mouth diameter, and 5.9–6.1 cm in base diameter, together with one flat-rimmed dish measuring 12.9 cm in height, 14 cm in mouth diameter, and 5.7 cm in base diameter. A balu refers to a set of tableware used in Buddhist monastic practice, made in graduated sizes so that the bowls can be nested inside one another. The flat-rimmed dish, its rim bent outward to near-horizontal, forms a set together with the three bowls. In terms of design, each bowl has a chrysanthemum inlaid on the interior base, and the sides are decorated with three peony blossoms rendered naturally and in fine detail. On the exterior, a lightning-pattern is inlaid in white slip around the rim, and a floral scroll design is inlaid in white slip over the entire side surface. The dish has a chrysanthemum design on the interior base and four peony blossoms on the sides; otherwise it resembles the bowls. All four pieces share the same material quality, design, and form, suggesting they were made at the same time.

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Where it is

Region

Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Designation

Treasure · 보물