Celadon Bottle

This vessel epitomizes the elegant simplicity of plain celadon that appeared frequently at the end of the 11th century and into the early 12th century. The surface of the bottle is undecorated, highlighting the piece’s clean-cut form.

Goryeo dynasty (918–1392) Korean potters first learned about the properties of the ceramic glaze celadon from their Chinese Song dynasty (960-1279) contemporaries. By the mid-12th century, however, Goryeo potters began to pursue a more distinctly Korean aesthetic, fostering many developments in celadon production. Techniques such as inlaying were perfected, and major celadon production centers in the Buan and Gangjin regions were consolidated. This elegant blue green pottery was used primarily by the aristocracy, and its production was strictly regulated by the government. Important kilns are still active in Gangjin today.