Small covered box, Celadon with inlaid paired cranes design

We would like to introduce you to a Koryo celadon small covered box with beautiful inlay.

In the center, two cranes are dancing with their wings spread wide, surrounded by circular lines and beaded patterns.
These patterns are created using inlay, a technique that is representative of Koryo celadon.

Here we will explain a little about the inlay technique.
The forerunners of the inlay technique can be seen in the Tang Dynasty in China, but it never became popular.
In Korea, inlay has been used to decorate metalware since ancient times, and was later incorporated into celadon porcelain and lacquerware.
Inlay on celadon porcelain can be seen from around the 10th century, but it reached its peak in the 12th and 13th centuries, becoming the main decorative technique for Koryo celadon porcelain.

The inlay is meticulously and carefully applied to the small vessel, which is less than 5cm in size.
Grooves are dug into the clay, and the crane's body and surrounding patterns are made of white clay, while the crane's beak, eyes, arms and legs are inlaid with black clay to create the pattern.

Although a small piece, it is elegant and filled with rich poetic sentiment, and can be said to well represent the tastefulness of Goryeo culture.

Its small size makes it so adorable, and it fits perfectly in the palm of your hand.

These small containers (which refer to containers with a lid and body joined together) were originally made for women to store cosmetics such as face powder and ointments.
There is a theory that Goryeo women valued cleanliness and used white makeup powder, but did not have their lips painted in red.
On the other hand, they also seems to have enjoyed dressing up, keeping silk incense pouches in their yellow skirts.

In addition to bowls, celadon cosmetic tools such as oil jars and cosmetic boxes remain, giving us an idea of the elegant lifestyles of women at the time.

The condition is also good.

There is a very slight scuff on the edge of the lid, but this is nothing to worry about for something of this age.
Also, in the photo, it may appear that there are vertical lines, but these are crazing, so we consider it to be in good condition.

This elegant incense holder gives a glimpse into Goryeo culture - be sure to enjoy it in the palm of your hand.

[References]

"Elegant Colors, Simple Forms,"(伊藤郁太郎編集「優艶の色・質朴のかたち」) edited by Ito Ikutaro, Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka, 1999