Vase with Cranes and Clouds Decoration

Vase

Pear-shaped vase with cranes and clouds. Green-brownish glaze with craquelures.

Object ID
Korea_023

Age
Late 12th century AD

Material
Ceramics

Color
brownish-green

Height
28 cm

Height (neck)
4 cm

Height (standring)
1.1 cm

Diameter
19 cm

Diameter (neck)
7.1 cm

Diameter (bottom)
9.8 cm

Condition
Very Good

Price
on request

Description

The pear-shaped vase has a small neck with rounded mouth and a standring. The glaze all around, included the bottom, is green-brownish and noticeably dark, the inner part of the neck is more brownish. A net of craquelures surrounds the entire vessel. The main motifs around the body are cranes ascending to heaven and stylized clouds. The fine engraved feathers and legs of the cranes demonstrate the high craftsmanship. In this regard the black slip was only sparingly used for the stilts and the beak. These patterns are framed by an upper bordure with vertical and double lines, the lower decoration consists of horizontal double-lines.
In the Koryō Dynasty the ascending crane was seen as a symbol of an old and wise man. [1] Additionally, it embodies one of the many symbols for longevity. The clouds are considered as symbols of happiness. (HV)

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[1] Bang, Byung-sun (2000): Flasche mit Kranich und Wolkendekor. In: Handbuch der koreanischen Kunst. Steinzeug und Seladon. Ernst Wasmuth Verlag. Tübingen. 162