Korean Ceramic Celadon Bowl with Sanggam Slip Inlay Goryeo Dynasty

An antique Korean celadon bowl with Sanggam slip inlays circa 12-13th century from the Goryeo Dynasties (918 to 1392AD). The bowl on offer is of a classic robust form covered in a celadon glaze that is green with a subtle blue and grey hue. The interior of the bowl showcases four bunches of lychees (sometimes they were interpreted as pomergranates) intricately inlaid with white slip and arranged in ordinal direction. A thin outer band with wave lines circumventing the rim. The bottom well of bowl feature a carved inlay of chrysanthemum flower. The exterior of the bowl was decorated with a wide band of scrolling clouds, done with white slip inlays. There is an overall fine crackle on the glaze. The ring base of the bowl retains much of the sandy grits from the kiln during the firing process.
Despite inspired originally by the celadons from Song Dynasty in China, the development of celadon in Korean peninsula took its own course and reached the zenith in the 11-12th century during Goryeo dynasty. One singularly distinguishable characteristic was the masterful slip inlay technique called Sanggam that was unique to Korean Goryeo period. The potter first cut out the design on the clay, then filled with white or black slip inlay before a surface glaze was applied for firing. This process created contrasting designs that range from rustic, intricate to elaborate, depending on the kilns, production period as well as the purpose of consumption. The masterpieces from the peak of the production radiate with a beauty of purity that was often compared to water and jade. The inlay work can be dazzling for its intricacy.
A bowl from Goryeo period with nearly identical design is the collection of Metropolitan Museum of Art NYC, Object Number: 15.29.20.