Melon-shaped Wine Ewer

청자 참외모양 주전자 [靑磁瓜形注子]

1100s–1200s

Korea, Goryeo dynasty

(918–1392)

View all records in artwork set

Medium

celadon

Measurements

Outer diameter: 6.7 cm (2 5/8 in.); height with lid: 9 cm (3 9/16 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of John L. Severance 1928.173

You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.

Location

Not on view

Did You Know?

This miniature wine pot was buried in a tomb for the soul of the deceased.

Description

Many celadon ceramics, such as these two miniature pots, have been repaired with gold lacquer. Termed kintsugi (literally meaning “gold joinery”) in Japanese, this restoration method highlights broken parts with glittering gold mixed with lacquer. Initiated in Japan in the 1400s, the technique follows a popular aesthetic concept called wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfect things. Goryeo celadons were considered rare treasures among Japanese collectors in the early 1900s; thus, their broken condition is brilliantly highlighted in gold lacquer, as seen here in the repaired spouts, handle, and lid.