Week 8, Pt 1: Celadon Prunus Vase & Crane Design

proper title of celadon

Celadon Prunus Vase w/ Inland Cloud and Crane Design

period

13th C

location

goryeo

what is bisaek

jade-like blue green color of celadon

how is bisaek achieved

• purified clay and glaze containing a small amount of iron oxide.

• Applying a translucent celadon glaze.

• Fired in controlled low oxygen kiln conditions

• interaction between the iron in the glaze and firing produces blue-green color.

what happens when producing bisaek is failed

• If kiln atmosphere or temp is not controlled:

  • glaze may become brown, yellowish, gray, or muddy green

  • surface loses clear, jade-like translucency that defines high-quality.

what is the inlay (sanggam) step by step process

1. Shape via clay

2. Allow to dry to leather-hard state.

3. Carve desired design into the surface.

4. Fill the carved areas with white clay (white details) and/or black clay (dark details).

5. Scrape and polish the surface smooth.

6. Apply transparent celadon glaze.

7. Fire the vessel in a reduction kiln.

• Final result

  • The design appears beneath the translucent glaze.

  • White and black motifs contrast beautifully against the jade-green background.

  • In the Prunus Vase, the cranes and clouds seem to float within the celadon surface, creating a refined and elegant effect.

inlay vs stamping

• Traditional inlay

  • motif is carved individually by hand.

  • Produces highly detailed and refined designs.

  • Time-consuming and labor-intensive.

• Stamping

  • Small stamps are pressed repeatedly into the clay to create patterns.

  • Much faster and more efficient.

  • Allows mass production and consistency across vessels.

How did the inlaid chrysanthemum pattern change with the use of stamping?

• In Goryeo celadon:

  • Chrysanthemum motifs were typically carved and inlaid individually.

  • The designs were refined, delicate, and highly detailed
    
    

• In Buncheong ware:

  • Chrysanthemum motifs were increasingly produced using stamps.

  • Rather than individually carved flowers, the patterns became:

    • Simplified

    • Repeated many times

    • More geometric and regular

    • More robust and less delicate in appearance

what is the jar with the inscription “the 4th year of sunhwa”

• 993, Goryeo

• associated w/ a royal celebration

• Inscription identifies the date and occasion, often a royal wedding or palace banquet

• "Sunhwa" refers to Sunhwa Palace

what is the celadon tube shaped bottle w/ willow design in underglaze iron

• 12th C Goryeo

• Example of Goryeo celadon decorated using underglaze iron-brown painting.

• Iron-oxide pigment painted directly onto the body before glazing.

• Underglaze iron decoration was an early Goryeo technique

• Willow motifs reflect influence from Chinese ceramic painting traditions.

what is the ewer w/ lotus shaped lid

• 1050-1150

• A celadon pouring vessel (ewer) featuring sculptural decoration.

• Lotus motifs most common decorative themes in Goryeo celadon.

• ewers incorporated sculpted decorative elements, including animals, flowers, and elaborate lids.

• Lotus imagery is closely associated with Buddhist symbolism

what is the celadon bottle w/ inlaid crane and cloud design

• Late 13th to 14th C, Goryeo

• AKA Prunus Vase with Inlaid Clouds and Cranes.

• One of the most famous examples of Goryeo sanggam (inlay) technique.

• Made by carving designs into the clay and filling them with white and black slip before glazing.

• shows the sophisticated three-color effect of:

  • white inlay,

  • black inlay,

  • jade-green celadon glaze.

• Design depicts cranes flying among clouds, symbols of longevity and nobility.