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National Treasure

Celadon Ewer in the Shape of a Turtle-dragon

청자 구룡형 주전자 ( 靑磁 龜龍形 注子 )

Heritage Search Detail
Classification National Treasure
Name of Cultural Properties Celadon Ewer in the Shape of a Turtle-dragon
Quantity 1 Item
Designated Date 1962.12.20
Age Early 12th century (Goryeo)
Address National Museum of Korea, 137, Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

One of the masterpieces made in the 12th century when Goryeo celadon art had its golden days, this celadon ewer has height of 17 centimeters, base diameter of 10.3 centimeters, and foot rim diameter of 9.9 centimeters. It features a dragon-headed tortoise sitting on a lotus flower and consists of -- in addition to the body for storing liquid -- mouth, spout, and handle. The dragon head is elaborately and skillfully rendered to be complete with a pair of horns on the forehead as well as beard, staring eyes, sharp teeth, and scales along the long neck. The eyes are marked with slip dots, whereas the scales along the neck are incised and the claws carved in relief. The back is decorated with tortoise-shell motifs with each hexagon containing the Chinese character “Wang (王)” meaning “king”; the handle is shaped like a twisted lotus stalk, whereas the mouth through which water is poured into the ewer is shaped like a lotus leaf nicely folded inward. The entire surface of the vessel is covered with jade green glaze emitting pleasantly fresh luster. With the elaborate rendering of the details nicely coated with attractive jade green glaze, the ewer is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of the figurative celadon vessels of Goryeo conceived from various animals and plants.