Cabinet O: Shelf 2
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.
Korean
Bottle with inlaid design of strands of chrysanthemum blossoms
stoneware with inlaid decoration under celadon glaze
13 3/4 x 7 7/16 x 7 7/16 in. (34.8 x 18.8 x 18.8 cm)
Gift of Bruce and Inta Hasenkamp and Museum purchase made possible by Elder and Mrs. Sang-Yong Nam
Chinese
Bottle
stoneware with glaze
7 3/4 in x 3 11/16 in (19.7 cm x 9.3 cm)
Gift of Mrs. Henry Jewett Greene for The Mr. and Mrs. Henry Jewett Greene Memorial Collection
Chinese
Cup
stoneware with glaze
2 7/16 in x 3 15/16 in x 3 15/16 in (6.2 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm)
Gift of Mr. F. Karel Wiest
Chinese
Bowl
stoneware with glaze
1 9/16 in x 6 11/16 in (3.9 cm x 17 cm)
Gift of Mrs. Caroline I. Plumer for the James Marshall Plumer Collection
Chinese
Vase
stoneware with glaze
3 7/16 in x 8 1/4 in x 8 1/4 in (8.8 cm x 21 cm x 21 cm)
Gift of Mrs. Henry Jewett Greene for The Mr. and Mrs. Henry Jewett Greene Memorial Collection
Chinese
Bowl
stoneware with glaze
2 3/4 in x 14 in x 14 in (6.99 cm x 35.56 cm x 35.56 cm);2 3/4 in x 14 in x 14 in (6.99 cm x 35.56 cm x 35.56 cm);x 14 in x 35.56 cm
Gift of Ed Levy, Jr. and Linda Dresner Levy
Korean
Bowl with incised pattern of paired phoenixes; pair with 2004/1.213
stoneware with celadon glaze
3 1/8 x 7 x 7 in. (7.8 x 17.7 x 17.7 cm)
Gift of Bruce and Inta Hasenkamp and Museum purchase made possible by Elder and Mrs. Sang-Yong Nam
Korean
Wine Cup
stoneware with crackled celadon glaze
1 13/16 x 3 7/16 x 3 7/16 in. (4.6 x 8.7 x 8.7 cm)
Gift of Bruce and Inta Hasenkamp and Museum purchase made possible by Elder and Mrs. Sang-Yong Nam
Thai
Bottle (fragment) on a foot ring with carved decor, Sawankhalok ware
Stoneware with celadon glaze
5 ⅞ in x 6 11/16 in x 6 11/16 in (14.92 cm x 16.99 cm x 16.99 cm)
Gift of Mrs. Henry Jewett Greene for The Mr. and Mrs. Henry Jewett Greene Memorial Collection
Korean
Cup stand with molded and inlaid slip designs
stoneware with celadon glaze
2 3/8 x 5 3/4 x 5 3/4 in. (6 x 14.5 x 14.5 cm)
Gift of Mrs. Caroline I. Plumer for the James Marshall Plumer Collection