Plum Vase (Maebyeong) with Clouds, Cranes, and Children Motifs
Goryeo dynasty (918–1392), late 12th century
Medium
Stoneware with red and white slip and celadon glaze
Dimensions
33.4 × 19.7 cm (13 1/8 × 7 3/4 in.)
Classification
vase
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
73216
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Celadon or green-glazed stoneware is one of the greatest achievements of Korea’s Goryeo dynasty. Goryeo potters absorbed Chinese techniques and surpassed that country’s examples by further refining a technique known as sanggam. The time-consuming and complex process of sanggam involves carving a motif, then filling it with white and/or red clay (which turns black after firing) before applying the final bluish-green glaze. This vase is decorated with two large oval-like frames containing a scene ...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...