Duck-Shaped Ewer with Daoist Priest

Description

One of the notable artistic accomplishments of the Goryeo period was the production of sculptural celadon ceramics, such as this ingenious duck-shaped vessel. The duck’s extended tail is swept upwards to form a handle, which supports a human figure holding a bowl that wine would have been poured into, and its beak is fashioned into a spout. The human figure wears a headdress and a flowing robe, indicating that he is a Daoist immortal and suggesting that this ewer was used for ritual or ceremonial purposes. In its carefully rendered details and beautifully translucent color, this vessel is both a technical tour de force and a playfully charming object for admiration and delight.

Provenance

Yamanaka & Company, Boston; sold to Russell Tyson (1867–1963), Chicago, Oct. 4, 1926 [the object was placed on long-term loan at the Art Institute of Chicago beginning in 1926]; bequeathed to the Art Institute of Chicago, Oct. 15, 1964.

Duck-Shaped Ewer with Daoist Priest

Goryeo dynasty (918–1392), 12th century

Accession Number

22525

Medium

Stoneware with celadon glaze and underglaze incised decoration

Dimensions

21.4 × 17.7 × 13.2 cm (8 1/2 × 7 × 5 1/2 in.)

Classification

ewer (vessel)

Museum

The Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago, United States

Credit Line

Bequest of Russell Tyson