Pitcher

1100s

Pitcher, 1100s. Korea, Goryeo period (918-1392). Celadon ware with inlaid white and black slip decoration; outer diameter: 15 cm (5 7/8 in.); height: 18.8 cm (7 3/8 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of John L. Severance 1917.357 The chrysanthemum is the flower of autumn. In East Asia, its wine was believed to bring longevity if drunk during the Double Nine Festival (September 9). "Drinking Wine," a poem by Tao Yuanming (AD 365–427), combines the flower with the theme of the reclusive life: "From the eastern fence, I pluck chrysanthemum flowers, and idly look toward the southern hills." In Korea, the chrysanthemum was established as a popular motif for Goryeo inlaid celadon as early as the 1100s. The flower was used as the main motif for wine service vessels in particular. When Koreans drank wine from Goryeo celadon decorated with chrysanthemum designs, they believed that Tao’s faithful spirit transferred to their inner mind, as did the blessings of longevity. The shape of this pitcher resembles is a type of yellow muskmelon cultivated mainly in East Asia.