Incense Burner, Celadon with Openwork Geometric Design

Widely praised for its translucent jade-colored glaze and unique inlay designs, Goryeo celadon ware was first made between the late 9th and early 10th century and reached its pinnacle in the 12th century. The celadon works of this golden age are distinguished by the elegant brilliance of their surfaces and the use of a creative new inlay technique, in which white and red slips were inlaid into the surface to form various designs with the contrasting colors. In the mid- 13th century, the quality of Goryeo celadons noticeably diminished due to ongoing warfare with the Mongols, as the exquisite jade color was replaced by duller green or yellow-brown surfaces. However, the deterioration of Goryeo celadon ware contributed to the birth of the attractive buncheong ware of the subsequent Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). Generally regarded as a masterpiece of Goryeo celadon ware, this incense burner has three main parts: the openwork lid, which allowed smoke to flow through; the lotus-covered body, where the incense was burned; and the round base. The cover is an openwork globe, featuring a geometric design to let the smoke disperse evenly, while the body is elegantly ornamented with layers of lotus petals. The platform where the body meets the base is also decorated with lotus petals, and the base rests on the backs of three tiny rabbits. This incense burner displays an array of masterful decorative techniques, including incising, carving in relief, openwork, and inlay, and is thus revered as one of the finest Goryeo celadon works.