Ewer in the Form of a Melon with Inlaid Design of Chrysanthemum Sprays

Flowers bloom vertically up the sides of this melon-shaped vase. Its lobed form originated in China and was quickly adapted by the Korean potters who made this example. The addition of floral designs and the deep blue-green celadon glaze, which resembles the color of jade, are distinctive of ceramics produced during the Goryeo dynasty. Similar works were collected across Korea, China, and Japan. Visible repairs—like the gold-embellished cracks on the handle and the replacement metal spout—indicate this was a treasured possession.