Korea, Goryeo dynasty (918–1392) / 1100s
Water Ewer for Rituals (Kundika) with Incised Parrot Design
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Water Ewer for Rituals (Kundika) with Incised Parrot Design as ceramic (Korea, Goryeo dynasty (918–1392) · 1100s).
Unlike most existing examples that have an image of a willow tree or lotus pond, this ewer bears an image of flying parrots delicately incised on its surface.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this ceramic as stoneware with celadon glaze, incised and carved decoration.
The museum's collection notes: This distinctively shaped celadon vessel is a kundika. With a spout on one side, this type of vessel is often used in Buddhist purification rituals. Unlike most existing examples that have an image of a willow tree, this work has a rare flying phoenix design incised on its surface. During the Goryeo period (918-1392), about 260 kilns operated in mainly Jeolla and Chungcheong provinces, meeting a soaring demand for high-end products like this example.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtWater Ewer for Rituals (Kundika) with Incised Parrot DesignOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.