Celadon Kundika with Inlaid Willow Design

This celadon kundika, made in the early Goryeo Period has a height of 20 centimeters (7.9 inches) and a bottom diameter of 8.9 centimeters.

Items of this kind were used for Buddhist ceremonies to cleanse evil. But this specific piece displays a hint of Western style, introduced through China, while at the same time embodying the refined aesthetics of the Goryeo Period.

This work, regarded as the most excellent among others, shows a willow, reed, lotus and a pair of mandarin ducks inlaid with white clay under glaze of jade green. In the neck of the bottle, one peony blossom is inlaid in both sides. The mouth of the bottle is octagonal and is vertically placed over the neck of the bottle. Another opening, placed on the side of its round shoulder, was where people poured in the water. There should be a lid for that opening, but it is lost now.

Name: Celadon Kundika with Inlaid Willow, Bamboo, Lotus, Reed and Mandarin Duck Design

Period: Goryeo Period

Location: Seongbuk District, Seoul

Status: National Treasures No. 66

*The photos and text for National Treasure are provided by the Cultural Heritage Administration. For more information, call (042) 481-4650 or visit www.cha.go.kr