Korean vase, Ca. 14th century

Korean vase
Ca. 14th century
Height 29 cm

Vase, originally wine bottle, made of white and black inlaid (sanggam) celadon with cranes against speckled background under lotus border.
This thin-walled and therefore surprisingly light piece marks the transition from the courtly, highly regulated ceramic art of the Goryeo period (918-1392) to the more freely handled and egalitarian production of the subsequent Yi dynasty, when the wealthier middle classes could also have a share in these luxury goods. The vase is still precisely decorated, in the courtly manner, but the extensive speckles in the background already anticipate the design principles of Buncheong ware.
Glaze corrosion on the bottom of the foot, otherwise excellent condition.