Artwork Page for Pitcher

Details / Information for Pitcher

Pitcher

1100s

Korea, Goryeo dynasty

(918–1392)
Medium
celadon ware with inlaid white and black slip decoration
Measurements
Outer diameter: 15 cm (5 7/8 in.); height: 18.8 cm (7 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of John L. Severance 1917.357
Public Domain
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Location
236 Korean
Print
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Did You Know?

The shape of this pitcher resembles is a type of yellow muskmelon cultivated mainly in East Asia.

Description

The chrysanthemum is the flower of autumn. In East Asia, its wine was believed to bring longevity if drunk during the Double Nine Festival (September 9). "Drinking Wine," a poem by Tao Yuanming (365–427), combines the flower with the theme of the reclusive life: "From the eastern fence, I pluck chrysanthemum flowers, and idly look toward the southern hills." In Korea, the chrysanthemum was established as a popular motif for Goryeo inlaid celadon as early as the 1100s. The flower was used as the main motif for wine service vessels in particular. When Koreans drank wine from Goryeo celadon decorated with chrysanthemum designs, they believed that Tao’s faithful spirit transferred to their inner mind, as did the blessings of longevity.
A celadon, a gray-green glaze, teapot-shaped pitcher has a narrow spout that curves up from an egg-shaped body. The body is ribbed like a pumpkin, a vertically winding black vine with cream flowers in the center of each section. Petals line the upper edge. The handle curves from the bottom half to the top, squared with a piece reminiscent of a knot on top.

Pitcher

1100s

Korea, Goryeo dynasty (918–1392)

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