Maebyeong with flying cranes and clouds c. 12th century
anonymous
minneapolisinstituteofart
ceramic
product studio photography
egg art
product fashion photography
ceramic
jewelry design
culinary art
vessel
food illustration
stoneware
wash background
ceramic
watercolour illustration
This 12th-century Korean Maebyeong, or "bottle vase", showcases the exquisite craftsmanship of the Goryeo period. The celadon glaze, a hallmark of Korean ceramics, creates a serene and delicate green hue. Three white-slip cranes, symbolising longevity and grace, are delicately rendered against the glaze, adding a touch of elegance to the vessel's minimalist design. The vase, now in the Minneapolis Institute of Art, serves as a testament to the artistic sophistication of the Goryeo dynasty.
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According to Daoist mythology, a magical mountain carried on the back of an ancient tortoise exists somewhere off the southern coast of China. The mountain is inhabited by immortal beings, and white cranes nest in ancient pine trees, which grow in great profusion. Thus, the crane became a symbol of immortality and a favorite theme among artists in China, Korea, and Japan. Potters of the Goryeo dynasty frequently inlaid their wares with cranes flying amid clouds. This maebyeong (“plum vessel”) is notable for its great restraint and subtlety; just a few tiny cranes and minimal clouds create a spare, but lovely, decoration. A cupped mouth, expanding shoulders, and tapering body are characteristic elements of the maebyeong, of which several examples can be seen in this gallery.
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