cup stand

cup stand , early 1100s, Goryeo dynasty (918–1392)

Where object was made: Korea

Material/technique: stoneware; glaze

Dimensions:
Object Height/Diameter (Height x Diameter): 3.2 x 12.2 cm
Object Height/Diameter (Height x Diameter): 1 1/4 x 4 13/16 in

Credit line: William Bridges Thayer Memorial

Accession number: 1928.0622

Not on display

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Label texts

The Koryo period (918-1392) is well known for its extremely high quality of celadon. The unique, exquisite color of celadon can be obtained through an arcane method of firing with reduced oxygen. Celadon wares first appeared in the 11th century and the technique was subsequently further refined. In the 12th century, pure celadon emerged and was used by aristocratic households and Buddhist temples. Koryo pottery reached its peak in the first half of the 12th century, when artisans accomplished the remarkable advance in the technique of inlaying and drawing designs on celadons.

Archive Label 2003 (version 1):
This “white ware” bowl and stand, a precursor of the splendid Choson dynasty (1392-1910) porcelain tradition, is among the earliest extant examples of Korean porcelain production.

Archive Label 2003 (version 2):
This cup with stand is one of the rare surviving examples of Koryo white ware, and thus one of the most important Asian ceramic works in the Spencer Museum collection. Unlike celadon, Koryo white ware was never made in large quantities. Its rarity has prevented wide recognition of its beauty and individuality, but has made it very valuable.
The beautifully rounded shape of the cup and extremely thin body show the prowess of the Koryo potters. Such a thin body is only possible in porcelain ware, which is made of fine-grain white clay.
This ware assumes a delicate ivory shade with a greenish tinge due to the degree of oxidation during firing. This green-on-ivory shade is no less wonderful than the blue tone of the better known Chinese qing bai (bluish-white) ware.