Maebyeong

Goryeo · 보물 · 3F · World Art · China

This is a celadon maebyeong vase from the Goryeo period. To reduce the risk of chipping where a lid met the body and to add decorative effect, embroidered wrapping cloths were apparently draped over the shoulders of such vases; here that effect is rendered by inlaying a pattern that looks like a square cloth wrapped around the neck. Though seemingly heavily decorated, the overall design appears simple, for the inlay is confined to the cloth motif on the shoulder while the incised designs are limited to the middle and lower portions, dividing the ornament into upper and lower zones.

See it in person at the National Museum of Korea — 3F · World Art · China

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