Melon-shaped Earthware (Maebyeong)
Vase
1200-1250 (made)
1200-1250 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This unglazed stoneware vase is divided into six lobes and has a straight mouth, swelling shoulders and slender base. It is of a typical ash-grey colour. Its shape shows a pronounced falling away from the shoulders, below a narrow neck and outward sloping mouth. This type of shape is known as maebyong.
This piece was donated to the museum in 1918 by the collector, Aubrey Le Blond (1869-1937), and his wife, Elizabeth. Travelling throughout the Far East during 1912-13, they acquired a large quantity of Korean ceramics, many of which they later donated to the V&A Museum.
This piece was donated to the museum in 1918 by the collector, Aubrey Le Blond (1869-1937), and his wife, Elizabeth. Travelling throughout the Far East during 1912-13, they acquired a large quantity of Korean ceramics, many of which they later donated to the V&A Museum.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Melon-shaped Earthware (Maebyeong) (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Unglazed grey stoneware, thrown |
| Brief description | Vase, unglazed grey stoneware; Korea, Koryo dynasty, 1050-1350 |
| Physical description | The vase is divided into six lobes, has a straight, dished mouth, swelling shoulders and slender base and is of a typical ash-grey colour. Its shape shows a pronounced falling away from the shoulders, below a narrow neck and outward sloping mouth. With a small angular mouth, the body bulges at the shoulder and gradually tapers towards the base. The regular indentations down the height of the body create a form suggestive of a melon. The body has a greyish-blue tint. This piece of stoneware resembles prunus vases (maebyeong) produced in the early 13th century during the Goryeo Dynasty. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Credit line | Given by Mr Aubrey Le Blond |
| Summary | This unglazed stoneware vase is divided into six lobes and has a straight mouth, swelling shoulders and slender base. It is of a typical ash-grey colour. Its shape shows a pronounced falling away from the shoulders, below a narrow neck and outward sloping mouth. This type of shape is known as maebyong. This piece was donated to the museum in 1918 by the collector, Aubrey Le Blond (1869-1937), and his wife, Elizabeth. Travelling throughout the Far East during 1912-13, they acquired a large quantity of Korean ceramics, many of which they later donated to the V&A Museum. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | C.486-1918 |
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| Record created | December 15, 1999 |
| Record URL |
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