Water Ewer for Rituals (Kundika) with Incised Parrot Design

1100s

Water Ewer for Rituals (Kundika) with Incised Parrot Design, 1100s. Korea, Goryeo period (918-1392). Stoneware with celadon glaze, incised and carved decoration; overall: 35.3 cm (13 7/8 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of John L. Severance 1921.631 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. 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.