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Celadon Ewer in the Shape of a Fish-dragon

청자 어룡형 주전자 ( 靑磁 魚龍形 注子 )

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

This celadon ewer, with height of 24.4 centimeters and whose base diameter is 10.3 centimeters, was made around the 12th century. It features the shape of a mythical animal with a dragon head and the body of a fish. The ewer has a spout shaped like a dragon head, with its teeth, fins, and tail coated with white slip. Elaborate techniques of carving, engraving, and incising are used for the realistic rendering of the details – the mane around the neck, scales covering the entire body, and conspicuously large, wing-like pectoral fins. The handle is made in the shape of twisted lotus stalks and nicely attached at the back, and the lid, in the shape of fish tail complete with fins. The appearance of the ewer exhibits a fantastic, complete creature rendered based on wild imagination combined with masterful carving techniques and beautifully applied jade-blue glaze. It is a unique example representing the great Goryeo celadon works conceived from the shapes of various auspicious creatures be they natural or imaginary.