The interior of this bowl is carved with two fish swimming among leaf-shaped panels with combed waves. A bowl with the same motif is in the National Museum of Korea (Deoksu 353). The bluish-green glaze is typical of ceramics made during the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392), under the influence of Chinese celadon (green) wares.

In 1123, a Chinese envoy visiting the Korean capital, Gaeseong, noted the resemblance of locally made ceramics to the products of the Yue and Ru kilns. The glaze recipe and kiln technology of Goryeo celadons closely followed Chinese models, but Korean potters developed their own styles of carved decoration that catered to local tastes.

 

Provenance: Alfred Newall (1920-1989), by whom purchased in South Africa between 1961 and 1989; Duke’s, Dorchester, 12 Nov 2018, lot. 312; Accepted in lieu of Inheritance tax by HM Government from the estate of Anthony du Boulay in 2024 and allocated to the Winchester College Treasury Museum.

Location: Treasury, Gallery 2