Celadon Prunus Vase with Incised Lotus and Scroll Design

The celadon prunus vases of Goryeo (918-1392), such as the one pictured on right, originated with the ceramic traditions of the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties.

Upon arriving in Korea during the early Goryeo period, they began to develop new lines and volumes that gradually made the Korean prunus vases uniquely different from their Chinese counterparts.

This particular vessel - which has a height of 43.9 centimeters (17.3 inches), a mouth diameter of 7.2 centimeters and base diameter of 15.8 centimeters - features a voluminous shoulder with a clearly defined, slightly everted mouth, a narrowed waist, and the base gently flaring outward, showing that it is a typical Goryeo work.

The entire body is decorated with an incised lotus and vine design exhibiting dynamic movements, and is evenly coated with translucent grayish-green celadon glaze, with a fine network of cracks formed during the process of baking in a kiln.

The general figure and the state of glazing lead art historians to believe that it was produced at the Sadang-ri Kilns in Daegu-myeon of Gangjin-gun, South Jeolla, in the 12th century.c

Name: Celadon Prunus Vase with Incised Lotus and Scroll Design

Period: Middle Goryeo Period

Location: Yongsan District, Seoul

Status: National Treasure No. 97

*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