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Description

Celadon bowl (wan; 완; 碗). Interior has willow, bird, reed and scroll designs. Exterior is decorated with a dot-like pattern; light green ground. Unmarked.

History Of Use

A wide rim ceramic bowl with a narrow bottom and inclined sides is called wan (완; 碗) in Korean. Cheongja wan (청자 완; 靑磁碗) or a wan made of celadon was commonly used for drinking tea during the Goryeo dynasty (918–1392). The shape of this bowl was particularly well-suited for drinking powdered tea, using the tea method that originated in the Tang dynasty of China. Wan was one of the main products in Goryeo celadon kilns, as many Goryeo elites enjoyed drinking tea using this type of bowl. Cheongja wans were usually produced without patterns, but sometimes had decorative patterns reflecting the tastes of noble patrons, likely intended to enhance the drinking experience. All kinds of pottery produced during the Goryeo dynasty (고려; 高麗; 918–1392) are called Goryeo dojagi (Goryeo ware; 고려도자기; 高麗陶磁器). Celadon (green-gray glazed ceramic) known as Goryeo cheongja (고려청자; 高麗青磁) was the main kind of ceramic produced during this period in Korea. Celadon originated in China; Goryeo potters learned the techniques from the celadon traditions of the Song dynasty (960–1279). The Buan (부안군) and Gangjin (강진군) regions in Jeolla Province (전라도) became the major production centre by the mid-twentieth century; Gangjin remains the centre of Goryeo cheongja revival, and modern celadon production. Tea was introduced to Korea during the Tang dynasty (618-907) of China. During the Goryeo dynasty tea was used in royal and Buddhist ceremonies, as well as in daily practice. An establishment called a dabang (다방; 茶房) was established for serving tea. As time passed, drinking tea in daily life thrived among the royal family, nobility, monks and elites. The prevalence of tea drinking and the demand for tea utensils stimulated the development of the Korean ceramics industry, leading to the creation of various types of high-quality tea utensils, such as bowls, cups, cup stands, and ewers.

Specific Techniques

The technique of patterns decorated with inlays are known as sanggam (상감; 象嵌). Believed to have been produced since the mid-twelfth century in Korea, their origins are not clear in written sources, but likely derived from the practice of decorating bronze vessels with silver inlay, or inlaid lacquerware. In the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, this inlaid technique was widely used in the production of Goryeo celadon. The technique involved engraving patterns onto partially dried clay bodies using sharp tools, then filling the carved out areas with red or white clay, glazing them, and then firing them again. During the second firing, the red clay turned black and the white clay turned white, allowing artisans to create intricate and visually stunning patterns on the surface of the celadon. The use of this technique, along with the distinctive jade colour made Goryeo celadon easily recognizable. The black and white patterns on a clear green background were the signature features of Goryeo celadon.