Maebyeong
Unknown Artist
12th century
Medium
Stoneware with underglaze iron-brown decoration of peonies and floral scrolls under celadon glaze
Dimensions
H. 12 in. (30.5 cm)
Classification
Ceramics
Culture & Period
Korea · Goryeo dynasty (918–1392)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Fletcher Fund, 1927
Accession Number
27.119.13
Art Historical Context
This elegant *maebyeong*, a pear-shaped stoneware vase from Korea's Goryeo dynasty (918–1392), dates to the 12th century, a golden age for celadon ceramics. Standing at 12 inches tall, it exemplifies the period's mastery of high-fired stoneware, prized for its jade-green celadon glaze that evokes the luster of ancient jade. Produced in royal kilns, Goryeo celadons like this were exported across Asia, symbolizing Korea's artistic sophistication and Buddhist-influenced aesthetics. The vase's underglaze iron-brown decoration—featuring lush peonies and intricate floral scrolls—adds a striking con...