Goryeo Celadon Bowl with Incised Chrysanthemum-Scroll Design, 12th Century, Korea
A Goryeo celadon bowl with a slightly everted rim, decorated across the interior with an incised chrysanthemum-scroll design. A single incised band runs below the rim, while the exterior is left undecorated.
It is a comparatively refined example of Goryeo celadon, with a thin, carefully formed body, finely executed incised decoration, and a particularly clear pale blue-green glaze.
A closely related, slightly larger bowl is illustrated as no. 19 in Korean Ceramics of the Koryo and Yi Dynasties, edited by Choi Sun-u, Gakuji Hasebe and Seizo Hayashiya (Mainichi Newspapers, 1974). The published example is dated to the 12th century and attributed to Gangjin, Jeolla. The accompanying text notes that this type of decoration, covering the interior while leaving the exterior undecorated, was characteristic of the early 12th century.
The publication is held in research collections including the Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin (Berlin State Library).
Condition & Kintsugi Repair
The bowl had been broken into five pieces, with several cracks and numerous small chips around the exterior. It was reassembled using natural urushi lacquer, and the repaired areas were finished with silver.
Silver was chosen rather than gold to complement the celadon’s pale blue-green glaze and to avoid overpowering the original character of the vessel.
A historical precedent can also be found in the collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum: a 12th-century Goryeo celadon maebyeong (OC.90-1946), in which two losses at the rim were repaired with silver powder over red lacquer.
The surface retains minor scratches and other traces of use consistent with age.
Dimensions
Diameter: 15.8–16.3 cm
Height: 7.0–7.5 cm
Foot diameter: 4.8 cm
Measurements are approximate.
Use & Care
Suitable for display as well as practical use as tableware or a matcha bowl.
If used, avoid microwave ovens, dishwashers, and prolonged soaking in water. Mild dishwashing detergent may be used. Wash gently by hand and dry thoroughly after use.
The silver finish will naturally tarnish over time, gradually darkening and eventually approaching a near-black tone. As the brightness of the silver softens, the repair develops a quieter, more wabi character. We recommend enjoying this gradual change as part of the vessel’s aging.
If preferred, the silver can be brightened with a silver polishing cloth. Frequent or excessive polishing should be avoided, however, as it may gradually wear away the silver layer and expose the urushi lacquer beneath.
Price
4,500 USD
↳ Acquiring a Work & International Shipping
Works can be viewed in person at the YACCA studio in Fukuoka by appointment.
Item No: VS-001