Collection
/
Asian Art

Cup and Cup Stand

last half 12th century

1 of 4

Object Label

In the thirteenth century, Goryeo-sponsored potters developed a distinctive method for decorating celadon ceramics. Ceramic decorators were able to “draw” in black and white on the pot surface by cutting shallow incisions in the light gray clay of the vessel and then filling the incisions with white or black clay. After polishing, the decorations remained flush with the surface of the vessel as if they had been painted on. The whole piece was then covered with celadon glaze and fired. The new technique was likely inspired by deluxe metalwork of the period, in which bronze and other alloys were inlaid with silver and gold.

Caption

Cup and Cup Stand, last half 12th century. Porcelaneous stoneware with celadon glaze, inlaid glaze decoration, Cup: Height: 2 3/16 in. (5.6 cm) Diameter at mouth: 2 11/16 in. (6.8 cm) Diameter at base: 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm) Stand: Height: 1 11/16 in. (4.3 cm) Diameter at mouth: 3 13/16 in. (9.7 cm) Diameter at base: 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Collection Fund, 17.26a-b.

Collection

Asian Art

Title

Cup and Cup Stand

Date

last half 12th century

Dynasty

Goryeo Dynasty

Geography

Place made: Korea

Medium

Porcelaneous stoneware with celadon glaze, inlaid glaze decoration

Classification

Ceramic

Dimensions

Cup: Height: 2 3/16 in. (5.6 cm) Diameter at mouth: 2 11/16 in. (6.8 cm) Diameter at base: 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm) Stand: Height: 1 11/16 in. (4.3 cm) Diameter at mouth: 3 13/16 in. (9.7 cm) Diameter at base: 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm)

Credit Line

Museum Collection Fund

Accession Number

17.26a-b

Frequent Art Questions

  • I am a ceramics student and was wondering if celadon was an important, even unique glaze in ancient Asian Art and why so. And to what extent is the use of celadon within contemporary ceramics bound to celadon's history?

    Celadon glaze was especially valued for the cloud-like, pale blue-green color that could be achieved. Korean potters were internationally recognized as having mastered the technique.
    I don't know much about contemporary use of celadon for practical vessels, but I do know that some contemporary artists use it. In that case it is usually a reference to the history and historical applications of the material.
    Yes, thanks so much!

  • What is celadon?

    Celadon is a blue-green glaze, often used on stoneware, a kind of ceramic. Celadons are named due to the greenish-blue color of their glaze. Their color can vary in tone from grayish to greenish depending on the composition of the clay. The color of celadon is achieved by placing a green-colored glaze over a gray clay body and the reaction of iron oxide when the vessel is fired in a reduction atmosphere.
    Thank you.

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