Korea
Ewer
Koryo dynasty, 12th century
Stoneware with celadon glaze
and incised decoration
21.4 x 17.7 x 13.2 cm
Bequest of Russell Tyson, 1964.1213

Ceramics with gray-green glazes, known as celadons in the West, were introduced to Korea from China in the tenth century. Korean potters created innovative sculptural forms, developed new techniques in decoration, and modified the iron-rich Chinese glaze to produce subtle and subdued coloring.

Note the clever way that this bird’s beak functions as a spout, while its ornate tail sweeps upwards to form the handle. A small figure holding a bowl stands on the bird’s back. Can you see the finely detailed feathers?