Collection
/
Asian Art

Ewer with Cover

12th century

1 of 22

Object Label

Gourds and melons were popular motifs in East Asian design because their many seeds were associated with fertility and abundance. Both of these vessels have handles that reference the twisting vines of gourd and melon plants, with small tendril-like loops at the top where a string or chain would have attached the handle to a ceramic lid. Both original lids are now missing; the melon-shaped ewer has a wood replacement. Both ewers are decorated with lotus flowers, symbols of spiritual transcendence because lotuses rise above their lowly origin (pond water) to bloom in glorious color.

Caption

Ewer with Cover, 12th century. Stoneware with celadon glaze, wood, Height: 7 5/16 in. (18.6 cm) Diameter at mouth: 1 13/16 in. (4.6 cm) Diameter at base: 3 3/8 in. (8.6 cm) width with handle and spout: 8 3/4 in. (22.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, The Peggy N. and Roger G. Gerry Collection, 2004.28.242a-b. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Collection

Asian Art

Title

Ewer with Cover

Date

12th century

Dynasty

Goryeo Dynasty

Geography

Place made: Korea

Medium

Stoneware with celadon glaze, wood

Classification

Ceramic

Dimensions

Height: 7 5/16 in. (18.6 cm) Diameter at mouth: 1 13/16 in. (4.6 cm) Diameter at base: 3 3/8 in. (8.6 cm) width with handle and spout: 8 3/4 in. (22.2 cm)

Credit Line

The Peggy N. and Roger G. Gerry Collection

Accession Number

2004.28.242a-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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