12th century

Cup

This lovely small cup for tea or wine is an outstanding example of 12th century Korean celadon ware. It has a finely crackled glaze inside and out, with a delicate key-fret border at the lip rim. There are three small pontil marks on the foot where the supports were for firing in the kiln. A small flaw at the rim repaired in gold lacquer adds an accent to the cup. The shape, surface sheen, texture and weight in the hand make this a fine example of celadon ware.