Melon-shaped Wine Ewer

Many celadon ceramics, such as these two miniature pots, have been repaired with gold lacquer. Termed <em>kintsugi </em>(literally meaning “gold joinery”) in Japanese, this restoration method highlights broken parts with glittering gold mixed with lacquer. Initiated in 15th-century Japan, the technique follows a popular aesthetic concept called <em>wabi-sabi, </em>which finds beauty in imperfect things. Goryeo celadons were considered rare treasures among early 20th-century Japanese collectors; thus, their broken condition is brilliantly highlighted in gold lacquer, as seen here in the repaired spouts, handle, and lid.