Date: Goryeo Dynasty (13th century)

National Museum of Korea

The jar (xizun) has a flared mouth and features inlaid design of four oxen figures on its body. Inlaid celadon (sanggam) had been the signature type of Goryeo ceramics since it appeared in the 12th century. The delicate technique sanggam involved a two-step firing process. Potters began by etching the desired motifs on the kaolin clay body when it was still wet, and filling in the carved space with white orblack slip using bisque firing. After that, vessels were coated with translucent glaze and fired to a high temperature. Inlaid celadon reached its culmination in the 13th century.The shape and motif of this jararevery rare of its kind during that period.

In ancient Korea, zun referred to the ritual vessels used for storing liquid offerings, and xizun was a sacrificial vessel ornamented with ox or in ox shape. As zun symbolised esteem and honour, using zun to make a toast showed one’s utmost reverence. It is said that in order to encourage people to fulfil their duty like the industrious ox, xizun were used during springtime rituals. Inside xizun were offerings of clear water and unstrained wine (mixed with grain residues).

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