Cabinet O: Shelf 1
Celadon Wares in Asia
Although Celadon is the term for a translucent crackle glaze applied to porcelain and stoneware, it has come to mean wares that are specifically greenish blue or gray in color, particularly those from China and Korea. The trademark greenish hues of celadon wares were achieved through the use of clays and glazes that contained small amounts of iron, which turns green in a reduction firing atmosphere. (When there is insufficient oxygen in the air in a kiln, oxygen molecules are pulled from the ceramics themselves; it is this change in chemical composition that changes the color of the ware.) The thickness of the glaze and type of clay determine the color after firing, and getting the “right” effect is extremely difficult. The thin watery glaze runs off high points in the design and pools in impressions, creating dazzling gradations in color, especially in incised and molded designs.
Jade was prized in East Asia, and the ability to imitate its color in porcelain was highly valued. In the Goryeo Period (918-1392) in Korea, a celadon ewer or teacup was more precious than gold or silver. The high estimation of celadon was not limited to Korea, but extended to discerning connoisseurs at the court of the Northern Song dynasty (960–1127) in China. Celadon was quite popular in Japan as well, where it was both imported and manufactured in a native version. Celadon is considered by many to have reached its height during the Goryeo period, and these wares continue to be prized by collectors today.
Chinese
Bowl
Stoneware with celadon glaze
5 1/4 in x 13 in x 13 in (13.4 cm x 33 cm x 33 cm)
Gift of Domino's Pizza, Inc.
Chinese
Bowl
glaze on stoneware
1 15/16 in x 7 11/16 in (4.92 cm x 19.53 cm);1 15/16 in (4.92 cm)
Gift of Toshiko Ogita in memory of Tomoo Ogita
Korean
Wine cup with incised patterns
stoneware with celadon glaze
2 11/16 x 3 11/16 x 3 11/16 in. (6.7 x 9.3 x 9.3 cm)
Gift of Bruce and Inta Hasenkamp and Museum purchase made possible by Elder and Mrs. Sang-Yong Nam
Chinese
Incense Burner
stoneware with glaze
9 1/16 in x 13 3/16 in x 13 7/16 in (23.02 cm x 33.5 cm x 34.13 cm)
Gift of Domino's Pizza, Inc.
Korean
Deep bowl with vertical sides and carved lotus petal design
Stoneware with celadon glaze
3 5/16 x 3 7/8 x 3 7/8 in. (8.3 x 9.8 x 9.8 cm)
Gift of Bruce and Inta Hasenkamp and Museum purchase made possible by Elder and Mrs. Sang-Yong Nam
Korean
Small bottle with incised design
Stoneware with celadon glaze
1 5/8 x 3 1/4 x 3 1/4 in. (4 x 8.2 x 8.2 cm)
Museum purchase made possible by the Margaret Watson Parker Art Collection Fund
Chinese
Dish
stoneware with glaze
1 7/8 in x 9 9/16 in x 9 9/16 in (4.8 cm x 24.3 cm x 24.3 cm)
Gift of Mrs. Henry Jewett Greene for The Mr. and Mrs. Henry Jewett Greene Memorial Collection
Korean
Bowl with carved lotus design
stoneware with celadon glaze
2 13/16 x 6 5/16 x 6 5/16 in. (7 x 16 x 16 cm)
Gift of Bruce and Inta Hasenkamp and Museum purchase made possible by Elder and Mrs. Sang-Yong Nam
Japanese
Celadon incense jar, cylindrical shape with three legs and silver grill lid
Porcelain with celadon glaze, silver grill
3 1/8 in. x 2 3/4 in. x 2 3/4 in. ( 8 cm x 7 cm x 7 cm )
Bequest of Margaret Watson Parker