Artwork Page for Pigment Box (lid)

Details / Information for Pigment Box (lid)

Pigment Box (lid)

청자 상감 국화·당초무늬 합 [靑磁象嵌菊花唐草文母子盒]

1200s

Korea, Goryeo dynasty

(918–1392)
View all records in artwork set
Medium
inlaid celadon ware
Measurements
Diameter: 7.7 cm (3 1/16 in.); Overall: 3.9 cm (1 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of John L. Severance 1928.167.b
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print
?

Did You Know?

This ceramic container was used to store either incense or cosmetics.

Description

Celadons, spoons, seals, and bronze mirrors were the most common burial objects in tombs during the Goryeo period (918–1392). Once used to contain colored powder, rouge, and eyebrow gel for makeup, this small container was one of the standard goods that furnished elites' tombs. Both women and men used the grain powder of rice or millet for whitening their skin, safflower extract for rouge, and plant ash or soot for eyebrow gel. Yet, natural-looking makeup seems to have been the most favorable one in Korea according to the travelogue by Xu Jing (1091–1153), the Chinese diplomat who visited Korea in 1123.
A celadon, a gray-green glaze, circular lid features a smooth surface with scattered dark inclusions. Three white flowers mark the center, framed by a double-line border. A dark, winding vine with ten small white flowers encircles the middle, set between concentric lines. Two bands of small white rings decorate the outer rim. The piece is slightly domed with a subtle, glossy sheen.

Pigment Box (lid)

1200s

Korea, Goryeo dynasty (918–1392)

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork