Accession Number
2004/1.231

Title
Bowl with carved lotus design

Artist(s)
Korean

Artist Nationality
Korean (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
12th century

Medium & Support
stoneware with celadon glaze

Dimensions
2 13/16 x 6 5/16 x 6 5/16 in. (7 x 16 x 16 cm)

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

Label copy
The antecedents for this flared bowl with carved, overlapping lotus petals on the outside can be found in Chinese Yue ware ceramics as far back as the fourth century. The lotus shape continued to be popular in China, and it was particularly appealing to Koreans of the Goryeo period, possibly because of its Buddhist associations as a symbol of purity.
Maribeth Graybill, The Enduring Art of the Korean Potter, December 12, 2004-November 6, 2005

Subject matter
Assumed to be a product of a kiln in Sadang-ri, Gangjin-gun, Jeollanam-do. Decorated with a two-tiered lotus petal. Entirely glazed, including the rim of the foot. Partly oxidized. 

Physical Description

This type of bowls was produced in the 12th century when the production of celadon was increased. is piece is assumed to be a product of a kiln in Sadang-ri, Gangjin-gun, Jeollanam-do. e outer wall is decorated with incised and raised deisgn of a two- tiered lotus petal. The bowl was entirely glazed including the rim of the foot. e outer base retains three white quartzite spur marks. e glaze is fused well, displaying a ne gloss, but parts of it have been oxidized to tinge the inner surface with yellow.
[Korean Collection, University of Michigan Museum of Art (2014) p.102]

Primary Object Classification
Ceramic

Primary Object Type
bowl

Additional Object Classification(s)
Decorative Arts

Collection Area
Asian

Rights
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Keywords
Lotus (genus)
bowls (vessels)
celadon (glaze)
ceramic (material)
incising
stoneware (pottery)