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Bowl

12th century

Korea

Stoneware with carved design under glaze

H. 3 3/8 x Diam. 6 1/4 in. (8.6 x 15.9 cm)

Asia Society, New York: Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection, 1979.195

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The exterior of this bowl is incised with two layers of lotus petals, a flower that was both symbolic of Buddhism and a popular decorative motif on East Asian ceramics. Celadon bowls of similar design were also produced at Yue ware kilns in China during the Five Dynasties and Song dynasty. The green color of Yue celadons, however, tend to be of a paler gray-green tone. The consumers of celadon in the Koryo dynasty, particularly before and during the peak production period of the12th century, were generally limited to the royal court and the aristocracy. As luxury items, celadons were not only used as special tableware or decorative objects but were sometimes buried in tombs along with the deceased.