Wine Cup and Stand, 12th century
Korean
Korean celadon wares, among the most highly prized of all Asian ceramics, were originally inspired by Chinese celadons of the Song dynasty (960–1279). The Korean glazes are more thinly applied than Chinese examples, and unstable kiln conditions produced wide variations in color. The most characteristic color of finer pieces is the gray green seen in this six-lobed wine cup. It’s simple shape and restrained decoration typify the unpretentious intimacy of design that is typically Korean. This simplicity and the small amount of decorative embellishment suggest that this set is a relatively early example in a stylistic development that led to more ornate designs.
Provenance
(N.V. Hammer, Inc., New York) by 1969;
purchased by Kimbell Art Foundation, Fort Worth, 1970.