Circular box and cover, celadon with carved chrysanthemum design and white and dark infill, made in Korea at a kiln site near Gangjin, early 13th century, Koryô

Box of circular form, with carved vertical lines on sides and covered with a crackled celadon glaze. The cover is decorated with a group of chrysanthemums on coiled stems and a fret border. One chrysanthemum is encircled by six inlaid chrysanthemum flowers, and they are connected through inlaid scrolls. The glaze has a dark greenish tint, and there remains silica spur marks on the foot. Colour: greyish-green, white and black.
The lid and the body do not match and seem to come from different sets.

Seven chrysanthemums inlaid in white clay are connected by a scrolling design inlaid in black clay. The glaze has a dark greenish tint, and there are remains of silica spur marks on the foot. The lid and the body do not match and seem to have come from different boxes. It is likely that the two parts of the box were produced at a kiln in Gangjin in the early 13th century.

Given by Dr W. M. Tapp

It is assumed that this celadon box was produced at a kiln site in Gangjin in the early 13th century.

Ceramic containers like this one survive in considerable numbers from Koryo period Korea, when a refined and elegant culture was enjoyed by courtiers and by high-ranking Buddhist clergy. Traditionally identified as cosmetics boxes for women's face make-up, these boxes could equally have been used to hold incense for Buddhist practice.

With its seven delicate chrysanthemum heads decorating the cover, this celadon box is a typical example of Koryo ceramic taste of the 12 or 13th centuries. The floral pattern was achieved by carving into the clay. White and dark infill materials were then applied before the vessel was glazed and fired. Decoration at the perimeter of the box and cover consists of repeated incised linear patterns.

C.78&A-1927