Bowl with Peony Decoration

In addition to plain cups, bowls, decorative pitchers, and other vessels covered solely by a smooth glaze, many Goryeo celadons have incised, impressed, and molded decorations, sometimes in combination. These vessels were produced in direct imitation of Chinese green-glazed wares, particularly of the yue type first manufactured in the 2nd century. Instead of strictly copying their foreign models, Korean potters often adapted shapes and surface decorations to appeal to a domestic market of royal, aristocratic, and Buddhist monk patrons. The peony design ornamenting the inside of this bowl was a popular motif of the period in lacquer ware and metalwork as well as ceramics.