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[Treasure] Celadon Lidded Bowl and Saucer with Inlaid Dragon

Published: 23 Jan. 2022, 14:31

Name: Celadon Lidded Bowl and Saucer with Inlaid Dragon, Phoenix and Peony Design

Period: Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392)

Location: Yongsan District, central Seoul

Status: National Treasure

Produced during the 13th century, Goryeo Kingdom (918-1392), this celadon with a lid is a type of big-sized dish made during this time.

It is 19.3 centimeters (7.6 inches) in height, 18.5 centimeters in diameter for the body part, and 6.8 centimeters in diameter for the bottom. A lid, coaster, and spoon complete the set, and there is a knob in the form of a chipmunk on the lid.

Two belt lines with patterns of a double lotus and breakers inlayed with white and black, are featured along with dragon and phoenix patterns carved boldly on the front. A groove cut at the edge of the lid is provided to give space for a spoon, so the lid can remain attached to the bowl while a spoon is set inside the bowl. A belt with a lightning pattern is engraved at the edge of the lip, and just below it, there are patterns of cranes and clouds.

Two double circles are painted on the surface, peony inlayed with white and black was used to decorate the inside and chrysanthemum was arranged on the rest. The main color is a soft yellow-green in tone with also parts of a deep yellow-green. The expression of patterns inlayed all over the front of lid, body and coaster has been evaluated as being highly artistic in value and of wonderful quality and skill.
Members of the royal family must have used this sort of jar, because it is exemplary of all the damascening skills in fashion at that time. (Inlayed bottles were very expensive and many ordinary people could not afford them at the time.)