Ewer

918

1392

9.0

12.0

HKU.C.1964.0552

This ewer has a shape and function similar to a modern teapot; to carry and pour water. It is incised with flowers, lotus leaves and bushes, and together with its overall dark green glaze, this ewer is a notable variation of Goryeo celadon wares (sanggam cheongja), an inlaying technique developed and widely used during the Goryeo dynasty. The production method of celadon itself was introduced by China in the 10th century, so celadon wares like this embody past cultural and technological exchange between China and Korea. Towards the end of the Goryeo dynasty, frequent invasions by Mongolians deteriorated the maintenance of techniques to make celadon wares like this, so their styles became more simplified over time.

The incision of flowers and bushes is not specific to a particular religion, though lotus leaves may be pointing to the prevalence of Confucianism and Buddhism during the Goryeo dynasty. Other Goryeo celadon wares are incised with legendary creatures like dragons and haetae (lion with a horn), and celadons with such patterns were also observable in China. For example, a funerary jar (HKU.C.1996.1076) produced in China during the Southern song dynasty (1127-1279) is also a celadon ware with green glaze, and is incised with a dragon. The use of incised celadon wares instead of ordinary ceramics to make ewers like this suggests that teatime was an important cultural aspect of people’s daily life during the Goryeo dynasty.