Korean Celadon Bottle Vase with Slip Decoration Goryeo Dynasty

Description

A wide-mouthed bottle form vase, stoneware with celadon glaze, from Korea late Goryeo Dynasty circa 14-15th century. The untraditional shape and the decorative style and technique indicate that it was a transitional piece from Goryeo to Joseon dynasty. The vase is painted on both the front and back, with an iron-rich slip under that depicts branches of ginseng leaves (ginseng is a plant cherished for its medicinal benefits in Korean and other far east countries like China). The painting was done in a robust style with a folky vitality and the color was oxidized to a near black with only a hint of red hue. There are additional ring like lines toward the bottom and it is not clear if these were intentional ornamentation by the potter or slip spill on the wheel, but they visually add more charm to the piece. The celadon glaze is of a grayish-green color and it displays a slightly uneven color range. One side of the vase shows a shade that is more jade green, while the other part remains more brownish to grayish green. This was due to the partial oxidation during the firing process in the kiln. The base within the short foot rim is covered with the celadon glaze as well. Overall, the entire surface shows an even and fine crackles.
For a similar bottle vase with a different slip design, see no 66 (page 152) of "Korean Arts Vol 2 Ceramics, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea, 1961". (last pic).
H.
11.5 in;
Diam.
7 in;