Cup with Incised Thunder Design

1100s-1200s

Cup with Incised Thunder Design, 1100s-1200s. Korea, Goryeo period (918-1392). Celadon; diameter of mouth: 8.6 cm (3 3/8 in.); overall: 9.9 cm (3 7/8 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of John L. Severance 1918.421 As early as the seventh century, the practice of drinking tea became an important part of elite culture in Korea. In enjoying teas, elites commissioned a variety of types of utensils and vessels including this delicate-looking cup, not only to make their tea-drinking experience more exciting, but also to show their refined taste. This distinctively shaped cup with a pointy base is known to have originated from a practice of drinking wine on horseback.