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Ewer

Place of OriginKorea
Dateapprox. 1150-1200
DynastyGoryeo dynasty (918-1392)
MaterialsStoneware with inlaid decoration under celadon glaze
DimensionsH. 8 3/4 in x Diam. 7 1/2 in, H. 22.2 cm x Diam. 19 cm
Credit LineGift of Mr. Arthur J. McTaggert in memory of Dr. Chewon Kim
Object number1991.23
DepartmentKorean Art
ClassificationsCeramics
On View
Not on view
More Information

Celadon

Celadon is a Western term for ceramic wares with glazes ranging in color from light bluish green to olive green. Such wares were first made in China, and became some of the most admired ceramics in the world. China's neighbors Korea, Japan, and Thailand were eager to create celadon wares of their own that would equal the beauty of the Chinese versions. Chinese celadons had always been sought after in Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia. They had also been exported in quantity to Persia, Turkey, and Egypt from the 1100s onward. Celadons were so valuable in trade that ceramics workshops in Thailand produced large numbers of them to compete with the Chinese for sales in Indonesia and the Philippines.

Between 1000 and 1400 Korea produced a jade-like celadon admired by connoisseurs all over the world. Korea also produced inlaid celadons, some of which have been found as far away as the Philippines