Buncheong Prunus Vase with Inlaid Lotus and Willow Design and Inscription

Unknown artist

Joseon Dynasty

Ceramics - Buncheong

National Museum of Korea

A Buncheong ware vase with inlaid decoration of lotus and willow motifs. The vase has a rounded body, a narrow neck, and a flared rim. The upper part of the body of this buncheong prunus vase bears an inscription in Chinese characters reading “Bowongo” (寶源庫), the name of a government office that opened in 1369 during the late Goryeo period and remained in operation until the early Joseon period. This vase is a valuable example that has furthered the understanding of the transition from inlaid celadon to buncheong ware. The technique used to inscribe the designs is rather clumsy, but the expression of the willow exhibits a sense of magnanimity and boldness unknown in Goryeo celadon with inlaid designs. Provenance: Gaeseong area Accession number: Deoksu3624