This Goryeo Dynasty slip-inlaid brush washer is a beautiful example of Korean celadon, embodying the refined elegance and technical brilliance of 12th–13th century ceramics. Crafted using the sanggam technique, artisans meticulously inlaid white slip into the carved designs before applying a translucent jade-green glaze. The result is a striking contrast, where delicate floral or geometric motifs seem to float beneath the smooth, glass-like surface—a hallmark of Goryeo celadon’s ethereal beauty.
Used by scholars and calligraphers, this small yet exquisitely crafted vessel would have held water for rinsing brushes, playing a quiet but essential role in the artistic and literary traditions of the time. Imagine it resting on a scholar’s desk, its cool celadon glaze reflecting the soft light of an oil lamp, a companion to poetry and painting. Today, it remains a timeless symbol of Korea’s golden age of ceramics, where craftsmanship and artistry were in perfect harmony.
Condition: Firing crack as made and pre-glaze chip as made
