Antique Korean Goryeo Celadon Tea Bowl Kintsugi Repair Small Chawan Joseon
Description
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Antique Korean Goryeo Celadon Tea Bowl Kintsugi Repair Small Chawan w/Box Joseon
A. Introduction
This is a remarkable survivor from the transition period between the late Goryeo and early Joseon dynasties. It is not merely a tea bowl, but a testament to the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-sabi—the acceptance of transience and imperfection. Restored with authentic Kintsugi (gold repair), this bowl has been transformed from a broken vessel into a piece of art where the fractures themselves become the focal point of beauty.
B. Features & Cultural Context
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Kintsugi Artistry: The bowl features extensive gold lacquer repairs (Kintsugi) that trace the history of its use. Rather than hiding the damage, the gold lines highlight the "scenery" of the bowl, resembling lightning or river tributaries across the glaze.
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Historical Era: Dating from the Late Goryeo to Early Joseon period, this piece captures the shift from the refined celadon of Goryeo to the humble, folk-art aesthetic of the Joseon dynasty. The glaze has a subtle, earthy olive-grey tone with natural crackles (Kannyu).
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Rare Size: As noted by experts, this bowl is a "relatively small size," which is rare for this era. While many bowls of this time were larger food vessels, this specific size is highly prized as it is perfectly dimensioned for the Tea Ceremony (Sadou).
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Tomobako: It comes with a wooden storage box featuring calligraphy that reads "Chawan" (Tea Bowl), adding to its collectibility.
C. Usage & Decor Ideas
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Tea Ceremony: Its compact size makes it an ideal Chawan for preparing Matcha. It fits comfortably in the hands, allowing the user to feel the history of the clay.
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Meditation Piece: The intricate web of gold repairs provides a powerful visual focus for meditation, symbolizing resilience and rebirth.
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Museum Display: A stunning example of restoration art to display in a lighted cabinet or on a dark wood stand.
D. Size & Weight
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Height: 5 cm / 1.9 inches
Diameter: 13.5 cm / 5.3 inches
Box size: 16.3 × 16.3 × 10 cm
Total weight: 410g
E. Condition
Restored Antique Condition.
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Kintsugi Repair: The bowl has been professionally restored using the traditional Kintsugi method. There are multiple cracks that have been stabilized and decorated with gold lacquer.
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Stability: despite the visual appearance of fragmentation, the repairs are solid, and the piece is stable for display or careful use.
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Aesthetics: The crazing (crackle glaze) and the gold lines create a unique texture that is highly sought after by collectors of Wabi-sabi art. Please view the photos to appreciate the "landscape" created by the repairs.
F. Conclusion
A profound piece of Korean ceramic history, reborn through the art of gold repair. Please check the photos for details.