Vase in the Form of a Melon
Unknown Artist
1100s
Medium
celadon
Dimensions
h. 25.2 cm · diameter of mouth with rim 11.5 cm
Classification
Ceramic
Department
Korean Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
The Elisabeth Severance Prentiss Collection
Accession Number
1944.164
About this artwork
As early as the seventh century, the practice of drinking tea and wine became an important part of elite culture in Korea. Elites of the Goryeo period commissioned a variety of types of utensils and vessels including this elegant bottle, not only to make their drinking experience more exciting, but also to show their appreciation of nature. During the Goryeo period (918-1392), kilns operated in Jeolla and Chungcheong provinces, meeting a soaring demand for high-quality tableware.