Celadon Incense Burner Lid

Unknown artist

Goryeo Dynasty

Ceramics - Celadon

National Museum of Korea

A celadon ceramic incense burner lid is shaped like a mythical creature with fins and a tail, resting on a circular base with raised decorative elements. This incense burner lid is decorated on top with a mandarin duck. It is designed to allow smoke from the incense to flow through the body and out of the mouth. The lifelike duck sitting on a lotus seed with its mouth wide open and its head straight up appears to be calling to its partner. An ideal combination of functionality and exquisite handicraft, this masterpiece is thought to have been created in the early 12th century when celadon production reached its zenith since it showcases refined sculpting skill and the exemplary jade color of Goryeo celadon. Accession number: Deoksu506