Cleveland Museum of Art

Vessel with Knobbed Lid

Date

200s–300s CE

Medium

stoneware

Culture

Korea, Gaya period (42–562 CE)

Department

Korean Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

This storage vessel is distinguished by its robust, subtly proportioned form and its body color. The purplish-brown surface "skin" is enlivened by a series of smoky black swirling marks that occurred during the firing in the wood kiln. This shape began as a series of clay coils that were pinched and then paddled; however, it spent more time on a potter's wheel to thin and finish its outer surface. The lid received similar, understated attention to detailing and finish. This type of lidded vessel served to contain cremated remains, indicating the popularity of Buddhist mortuary practice in Korea during the Three Kingdoms period.

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