Accession Number
2004/1.214

Title
Bowl with incised pattern of paired phoenixes; pair with 2004/1.213

Artist(s)
Korean

Artist Nationality
Korean (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
11th century

Medium & Support
stoneware with celadon glaze

Dimensions
3 1/8 x 7 x 7 in. (7.8 x 17.7 x 17.7 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Bruce and Inta Hasenkamp and Museum purchase made possible by Elder and Mrs. Sang-Yong Nam

Label copy
There is no way to know today whether these two bowls were designed as part of a set, but they are so similar in shape and design that they must have come from the same kiln, in the same generation—and perhaps even from the hand of the same potter.
The phoenix, a mythical bird depicted with a long, flowing tail, was an emblem of longevity across East Asia and often appears in the decorative arts of the Goryeo period.
Maribeth Graybill, The Enduring Art of the Korean Potter, December 12, 2004-November 6, 2005

Subject matter
Parrot design is described long tail, elliptical head and crooked beak. It was found on the bowl or vessel of the Goryeo Dynasty. Bird design represents family happiness, status rising and longevity.

Physical Description

This piece represents the archetype of Goryeo celadon made in the 11th century with its shape and designs displaying the in uence of Chinese Yue ware. e glaze was fused well to form a subtle gloss, while the clay body has a ne and dense texture. Around the interior rim is an incised line and also engraved are parrots and clouds below the line. There are four refractory spur marks on the foot.
[Korean Collection, University of Michigan Museum of Art (2014) p.91]

Stoneware teabowl with celadon glaze. A pair of parrots is incised on he inside of the bowl, as well as a line that runs slightly below and parallel to the rim.

Primary Object Classification
Ceramic

Primary Object Type
bowl

Additional Object Classification(s)
Decorative Arts

Collection Area
Asian

Rights
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Keywords
bowl
bowls (vessels)
celadon (glaze)
ceramic (material)
ceramics
incising
parrots
stoneware (pottery)