An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Wine Ewer with Incised Bamboo Shoot Design1100s
Natural motifs inspired the shape of celadon vessels as well as their inlaid designs in the Goryeo period. This wine ewer is shaped like a bamboo shoot, but it also resembles a lotus bud. Even though the spout was repaired, the ewer is a masterpiece of Goryeo period celadon. Ewers of the same shape are now housed at the National Museum of Korea and the Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka.
This type of ewer is supposed to have a tight-fitting lid, which is currently missing.
celadon ware with incised decoration
Diameter: 14.7 cm (5 13/16 in.); Overall: 18.2 cm (7 3/16 in.)
Gift of John L. Severance
In a tranquil studio hidden amidst the mountains, artisans worked diligently during the Goryeo period, their hands gliding over clay as they sought to capture the serenity of nature. Inspired by the soft rustle of leaves and the gentle sway of bamboo in the wind, these craftspeople crafted celadon vessels that transcended mere function, becoming vessels of beauty and spirit.
Among their creations is a remarkable wine ewer, its form echoing that of a bamboo shoot, tall and graceful, yet softened by the delicate curves reminiscent of a lotus bud just beginning to bloom. As sunlight filters through the leaves, it sparks a glimmer on the surface of the ewer, highlighting the lush green hues that characterize celadon. Each inlaid design tells a subtle story of nature's elegance, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Time, however, is not always kind. This particular ewer carries a history marked by imperfection; the spout has endured the trials of handling and perhaps a moment's mishap, leading to a delicate repair. Yet, in this restoration, one can find a deeper beauty. It speaks of resilience, of the hands that cherished it, and of the warmth it once brought to gatherings around the table.
Today, echoes of this craftsmanship remain, with similar ewers holding their place of honor at the National Museum of Korea and the Museum of Oriental Ceramics in Osaka. They stand as testaments to an era where art was a dialogue with nature, each piece telling its own chapter in the larger story of humanity's quest for beauty amidst the fleeting nature of life.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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