Celadon Box with Chrysanthemum Design in Relief

Goryeo Period (12th Century)

The lid and body of this covered box are each articulated with lobed ridges in the form of chrysanthemum petals, and a fine incised floral motif is rendered at the center of the lid. The glaze is a limpid, supple bisaek celadon of exceptional quality. Five traces of quartz kiln supports remain on the interior of the foot ring. The box is thought to have served as a container for incense or cosmetic powder. Its production is dated to approximately the mid-twelfth century, a attribution supported by close comparison with a celadon chrysanthemum-shaped covered box excavated from the royal tomb of King Injong — known as Jangreung — who passed away in 1146, which presents a strikingly similar form. Combining a luminous and supremely refined bisaek glaze with a composed and serene vessel form, this covered box is presumed to have been produced as a work of royal commission at the Sadang-ri kilns in Gangjin during the mid-twelfth century, at the very apex of Goryeo celadon production.