Korea, Goryeo dynasty (918–1392) / 1300s
Prunus Vase with Inlaid Lotus and Reed Design
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Prunus Vase with Inlaid Lotus and Reed Design as ceramic (Korea, Goryeo dynasty (918–1392) · 1300s).
Prunus vases are often believed to contain a branch of plum blossoms, but recent research reveals that these lidded vases were also used to contain cooking liquid such as sesame oil.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this ceramic as Celadon ware with inlaid white and black slip decoration.
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. Once used to store alcoholic beverages, this type of vase features a wide body followed by a sharply rounded shoulder, a short neck and a small opening. Most of the remaining examples no longer have a lid, but originally it may have had a lid that not only covers the opening, but also served as a cup.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtPrunus Vase with Inlaid Lotus and Reed DesignOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.