Flask with Inlaid Lotus Design

1200s-1300s

Flask with Inlaid Lotus Design, 1200s-1300s. Korea, Goryeo period (918-1392). Stoneware, celadon with inlaid decoration; The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Mrs. Lewis B. Williams 1975.99 Toward the late 14th century, the overall quality of techniques involved in making celadon works sharply deteriorated. In contrast to translucent greenish blue celadon works of the 12th century, this flask possibly dated to the late 14th century, has brownish green glaze. And its inlaid design also shows a clear sign of decline in craftsmanship. Nevertheless, less attention to techniques gave a way to a freer style pottery called buncheong in the succeeding centuries. The shape of this bottle can be traced all the way back to an ancient Persian pilgrim’s flask.