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Bottle

Late 11th-early 12th century

Korea

Stoneware with glaze

H. 15 1/8 x Diam. 9 1/2 in. (38.4 x 24.1 cm)

Asia Society, New York: Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection, 1979.192

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The only decoration on this large bottle is a broad pattern of crackles in the thin layer of pale green glaze. The bulbous shoulders, overall voluptuous shape, and the diminutive mouth are characteristic features of the maebyong (meaning "plum vase"), whose form derives from the Chinese prototype. Such bottles were most likely used to hold liquid, possibly plum wine or other liquor. As such, this bottle would originally have had a small cup-like cap covering the mouth. Green-glazed ware, or celadon, was produced throughout the Koryo dynasty under the patronage of the royal court and was intended primarily for the elite.