Cleveland Museum of Art

Flask with Inlaid Lotus Design

Date

1200s–1300s

Medium

stoneware, celadon with inlaid decoration

Culture

Korea, Goryeo dynasty (918–1392)

Department

Korean Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

Toward the late 14th century, the overall quality of techniques involved in making celadon works sharply deteriorated. In contrast to translucent greenish blue celadon works of the 12th century, this flask possibly dated to the late 14th century, has brownish green glaze. And its inlaid design also shows a clear sign of decline in craftsmanship. Nevertheless, less attention to techniques gave a way to a freer style pottery called buncheong in the succeeding centuries. The shape of this bottle can be traced all the way back to an ancient Persian pilgrim’s flask.

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