Ewer
1 of 9
Caption
Ewer, 12th century. Stoneware with underglaze iron-painting, celadon glaze, gold and black lacquer, Height: 2 15/16 in. (7.5 cm) Diameter at mouth: 15/16 in. (2.4 cm) Diameter at base: 2 3/16 in. (5.6 cm) Width with handle and spout: 3 3/4 in. (9.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, The Peggy N. and Roger G. Gerry Collection, 2004.28.113a-b. Creative Commons-BY
Collection
Collection
Title
Ewer
Date
12th century
Dynasty
Goryeo dynasty
Geography
Place made: Korea
Medium
Stoneware with underglaze iron-painting, celadon glaze, gold and black lacquer
Classification
Dimensions
Height: 2 15/16 in. (7.5 cm) Diameter at mouth: 15/16 in. (2.4 cm) Diameter at base: 2 3/16 in. (5.6 cm) Width with handle and spout: 3 3/4 in. (9.6 cm)
Credit Line
The Peggy N. and Roger G. Gerry Collection
Accession Number
2004.28.113a-b
Rights
Creative Commons-BY
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Frequent Art Questions
What is the gold spot on the small lidded ewer?
That gold spot is lacquer dusted or mixed with gold powder. The gold portions show where the ewer has been repaired! This is a practice common in Korea and Japan, where instead of hiding repairs, they're made into exciting and beautiful elements of the piece!Ok, thanks.What's an ewer? Is it for oil?
It depends on where it is from (what culture/time period). Ewer generally refers to the shape but in Korean pottery for example it is a form associated with the serving of wine. The ewers in Infinite Blue from the late 19th century are probably decorative. The Ewer with the gold spots on its lid in the Korean gallery was probably used as a stationary or cosmetic vessel.What is an ewer?
The word "ewer" simply refers to a ceramic vessel that is designed to pour liquids.This particular ewer is thought to have been used for cosmetics, like perfumes, or for wetting ink.Thanks!Did you notice the gold spot on the lid?No, what is the significance?This actually indicates repairs that were made to the ewer over its lifetime. They were made with lacquer dusted or mixed with gold powder. Highly prized ceramics have been repaired since antiquity. They enabled an object to be used again, conceal imperfections, and even remain stylish as trends shifted.In this case, using the gold lacquer not only conceals the imperfections, but adds an aesthetic interest of its own. It creates a new component for appreciation.¿Que es la marca de oro en la tapa?
La marca en la pieza es una reparación hecha de una mezcla compuesta por oro y laca. En Corea, se pensaba que las reparaciones agregaban algo especial a un objeto y es por eso que las destacaban. Esta práctica comenzó en Japón, en donde se le conoce como “kintsugi.”Tell me more.
Those gold spots are lacquer dusted or mixed with gold powder and indicate portions of the ewer that have been repaired.Highly prized ceramics have been repaired since antiquity, often by professional craftsmen. Repairs enabled an object to be used again and/or concealed imperfections.Using gold lacquer for these repairs not only concealed imperfections, but added even more aesthetic interest!What is the gold spot on the top of the lid? Thank you!
This is actually a repair done with lacquer mixed with gold powder. Using gold lacquer for the repairs served to both conceal imperfection but also add aesthetic value to the piece!The technique of using gold lacquer for repairs originated in Japan. These repairs did not detract from the beauty or value of a piece, but rather created a new component for appreciation.Did you guys at the museum repair it?No, it would have been a repair made in antiquity! Not something a modern collector or museum conservation team would have done.The original 12th century owners of this object may have even done it! After all, these vessels were used in everyday life and subjected to wear and tear.Wow, I did not expect that. I love how you guys send answers.It's a lovely little detail that helps remind visitors that these objects were not just made for display but at one point were used, sometimes broken, and repaired! I'm glad you're enjoying the app!
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