Accession Number
2004/1.223

Title
Saucer with molded floral design in center and lining rim

Artist(s)
Korean

Artist Nationality
Korean (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
late 11th-early 12th century

Medium & Support
stoneware with celadon glaze

Dimensions
1 5/16 x 5 9/16 x 5 9/16 in. (3.2 x 14 x 14 cm)

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

Subject matter
Celadon represents a major technological and conceptual shift in the history of Korean ceramics. The high-fired gray stoneware of the preceding Unified Silla dynasty (668–935) and Three Kingdoms period (57 B.C.–668 A.D.) had set the stage for the manufacture of celadon, but the technology of the celadon glaze and of the kiln structure, adapted from China, was an important advance. Just as significant is the conceptual change. With the advent of celadon, particularly the highly refined pieces used by the royal court, there is a palpable aesthetic dynamic driving what ceramics should look like. Color becomes an important element in this transformation, as do interpretive designs in form and decoration. 

Physical Description

This celadon bowl is decorated with mold-impressed designs, which was one of popular type of dishes in 11th and 12th centuries. On its inner walls are lotus scroll designs, and on its inner base is what is presumed to be a lotus flower design. Glaze has been applied all the way down to the rim of the foot, which retains traces of silica supports in three places. The yellow-green glaze is evenly spread on the surface, while the clay is of specially selected high quality, producing a smooth surface.
[Korean Collection, University of Michigan Museum of Art (2014) p.111]

shallow lobed bowl with molded lotus design on wall, 6 lobes, very small foot, high quality, need cleaning

Primary Object Classification
Ceramic

Primary Object Type
saucer

Additional Object Classification(s)
Decorative Arts

Collection Area
Asian

Rights
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Keywords
Lotus (genus)
bowl
celadon (glaze)
ceramic (material)
ceramics
dishes (object genre)
lotus
stoneware (pottery)