Celadon Maebyeong with Incised Lotus and Vine Scroll Design

Goryeo · 국보 · 3F · Sculpture and Crafts · Celadon

This is an incised celadon maebyeong vase from the Goryeo period, decorated with scrolling vines that enclose lotus blossoms. Because the outlines were incised with the carving knife laid on its side, they stand out as if half in relief. Goryeo celadon incising was fine and sharp in its early phase, but by the mid-12th century, at its height, the lines grew thicker and were treated like half-relief, as seen here.

See it in person at the National Museum of Korea — 3F · Sculpture and Crafts · Celadon

Source: based on official e-museum records (National Museum of Korea).