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Flattened Bottle with Lion-head and Turle Lugs

Korean

Artwork Details

Flattened Bottle with Lion-head and Turle Lugs
10th century - 11th century
Korean
unglazed stoneware with appliqued decoration
9 1/16 in. x 7 1/16 in. x 6 5/16 in. ( 23 cm x 18 cm x 16 cm )
Gift of Bruce and Inta Hasenkamp and Museum purchase made possible by Elder and Mrs. Sang-Yong Nam
2004/1.210

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Description

March 28, 2009
Although the Buddhist Goryeo dynasty is perhaps best known for its celadon-glazed wares, production of unglazed gray stoneware continued; these were the utilitarian counterparts to the more expensive celadon wares. This flattened bottle functioned as a flask for wine or water. Projecting lugs in the shape of lions’ heads on the upper body and turtles on the lower body were once threaded with cords that served as handles for the vessel. The animal motifs are thought to have symbolic significance; the flask might have been used in shamanistic or Daoist rituals. No other examples of this vessel type are known, making it both unique and difficult to date.
(Label for UMMA Korean Gallery Opening Rotation, March 2009)

Subject Matter:

Flask for water or wine with lion and turtle designs. Could have been used in shamanistic Daoist rituals.

Physical Description:

Unglazed gray stoneware flattened bottle with two lion-head lugs near teh upper corners, and two turtle shaped lugs on the bottom.

Usage Rights:

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