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Celadon Incense Burner with Girin-shaped Lid

청자 기린형뚜껑 향로 ( 靑磁 麒麟形蓋 香爐 )

Heritage Search Detail
Classification National Treasure
Name of Cultural Properties Celadon Incense Burner with Girin-shaped Lid
Quantity 1 Item
Designated Date 1962.12.20
Age The 12th century (Goryeo)
Address Kansong Art Museum, 102-11, Seongbuk-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul

This celadon incense burner, made in the 12th-century Goryeo (918-1392) when celadon art reached its zenith in the kingdom, has height of 20 centimeters and consists of a basin-shaped body and a lid with the knob shaped like a mythical animal called Girin in Korean. The body of the censer features a wide-rimmed body decorated with incised cloud motif and supported by three zoomorphic legs. The lid is decorated with fret pattern incised on the side, with a knob shaped like a seated Girin looking backward. The animal has its horn damaged, a mane of spiral conch-shaped curls around the neck, the eyes expressed with black slip dots, and an open mouth to allow the incense smoke to be issued from it. The incense burner is evenly coated with attractively translucent jade-blue glaze. It is generally regarded as one of the greatest existing masterpieces made in the shape of auspicious animals and plants during the 12th century, regarded as the golden era of Goryeo celadon art.