Vessel in the shape of a duck

Ancient Koreans believed birds to be messengers to the spirit world because they could travel over the land and water and through the sky. It was also believed that birds, specifically ducks, brought seeds in the spring and so were harbingers of a good harvest. Figures of birds can still be seen on the top of tall wooden posts in some villages today, recalling their earlier importance.

The prominent opening on the back and tail of this vessel indicates that it was used for serving wine or pouring purified water at special rituals and ceremonies. This type of stoneware has been excavated near Nakdong River, in the southwestern part of the Korean peninsula.