Bowl

Item number 1455/10 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Celadon bowl with curved sides and small ringed foot. Incised decoration on outer surface of petals radiating from foot ring.

History Of Use

A wide rim ceramic bowl with a narrow bottom and inclined sides like this object is called wan (완; 碗) in Korean. Cheongja wan (청자 완; 靑磁碗) or a wan made of celadon was commonly used for drinking tea during the Goryeo dynasty (918–1392). The shape of this bowl was particularly well-suited for drinking powdered tea, using the tea method that originated during the Tang dynasty in China. This type of bowl was one of the main products made by Goryeo celadon kilns, as many Goryeo elites enjoyed drinking tea using this type of celadon bowl. They were usually produced without any pattern, but sometimes had decorative patterns on the inside reflecting the tastes of noble patrons, which were likely intended to enhance the drinking experience. All kinds of pottery and porcelain produced during the Goryeo dynasty (고려; 高麗; 918–1392) are called Goryeo dojagi (Goryeo ware; 고려도자기; 高麗陶磁器), and celadon (green-gray glazed ceramic) known as Goryeo cheongja (고려청자; 高麗青磁) was the main kind of ceramics produced during this period in Korea. Celadon originated in China, and Goryeo potters learned the techniques from the celadon traditions of the Song dynasty (960–1279). The Buan (부안군) and Gangjin (강진군) regions in Jeolla Province (전라도) became the major production centre by the mid-twentieth century, and Gangjin remains the centre of revivals of Goryeo cheongja and modern celadon production. Tea was introduced to Korea from China during the Tang dynasty (618-907), as early as the seventh century. During the Goryeo dynasty (918–1392), tea was used in royal and Buddhist ceremonies as well as in daily practice. An establishment called Dabang (다방; 茶房) was created for serving tea. As time passed, drinking tea in daily life thrived among the royal family, nobility, monks and elites. The prevalence of tea drinking and the demand for tea utensils stimulated the development of the Korean ceramic industry, leading to the creation of various types of high-quality Goryeo cheongja (고려청자; 高麗青磁) tea utensils such as bowls, cups, cup stands, and ewers.