Celadon Melon-shaped Bottle

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

This is a representative work from the early 12th century, the zenith of Goryeo celadon. It was excavated from the Jangneung tomb of King Injong, the 17th ruler of Goryeo, together with his posthumous investiture book bearing the date 'Huangtong 6' (1146). A melon-shaped body sits atop a tall foot pleated like a skirt, the mouth flares into an eight-petaled flower, and apart from three horizontal lines incised on the neck there is no other ornament. This style originated in Song China, yet shows far more graceful and refined curves and proportions, and its evenly applied, translucent celadon glaze offers a model of the renowned Goryeo jade-green (bisaek) color.

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).