Korea, Goryeo dynasty (918–1392) / 1100s
Vase in the Form of a Melon
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Vase in the Form of a Melon as ceramic (Korea, Goryeo dynasty (918–1392) · 1100s).
The shape of this bottle resembles is a type of yellow muskmelon cultivated mainly in East Asia.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this ceramic as celadon.
The museum's collection notes: As early as the seventh century, the practice of drinking tea and wine became an important part of elite culture in Korea. Elites of the Goryeo period commissioned a variety of types of utensils and vessels including this elegant bottle, not only to make their drinking experience more exciting, but also to show their appreciation of nature. During the Goryeo period (918-1392), kilns operated in Jeolla and Chungcheong provinces, meeting a soaring demand for high-quality tableware.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtVase in the Form of a MelonOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.