Small Double Korean Celadon Vase

[Kaaren B.]

Hello, all. Today I went to a moving sale of a Korean family in a nearby town. I saw from the photos that there were many Asian ceramics.

I picked this little double vase up for $10. This is the second piece of this kind that I have found at one of these sales.

I include in one photo the other one I once posted here, a large round jar (which I think it the superior piece).

This piece is also covered with crackle glaze, is the same bluish green glaze, only this one is designed with storks, which is quite common on these kinds of pieces.

The mark is unlike anything I have seen, and I suspect it is a company mark, not an artist's mark, and that is why I could not find it.

Just the same, I would appreciate any comments on the piece and the mark, if possible.

Ironically, I paid only $5 for the round jar, which I believe is a much better piece.

Thanks for any comments. Kaaren

[Kaaren B.]

Good heavens, I meant cranes, of course, not storks.

Also, I meant to add that these are not porcelain, they are earthenware, heavy, and no ping when tapped, just a dull thud.

:) KB

[peterp]

You mention the mark on the bottom of the double gourd vase?
Is it not a sticker?

First I need to tell you that this is 20th century Korean celadon, judging by these pictures. It has a different hue from antique celadons.

The five rings are the Olympiad symbol. Most likely this item was made for visitors of the Olympic Games held in Seoul in 1988.

[Kaaren B.]

Thanks, Peter! I thought they were stickers, too, but they aren't, I think they are under the glaze. I tried "picking" at them, but no stickiness, nor around the edges, and when I scraped a little directly on the rings and spiral, nothing came off.

I totally missed the Olympiad ring connection. So, it's likely 35 years old.

You can see the difference in richness of color and glaze compared to the other piece I had posted up here months ago, the "moon jar".

I'm susceptible to this particular shade. My collection of jade jewelry, unfortunately, reflects that susceptibility!

Thanks again! KB

[peterp]

The old Korean celadon is usually more greenish, occasionally with a yellowish tint, like these at https://antique-asia.com/photos/Korean-Ceramics-1/

Please also note the bottom of celadon items of that period is usually comparatively crude. Most of the celadon items are from before the 15th century (Goryeo dynasty); the others from the Joseon dynasty.

Korean celadon items with a more bluish hue to the celadon are usually 20th century. Older Korean wares do not seem to have been marked at all. Some potters started making again celadon items in that classical style during the 20th century, but the glaze and foot rim is usually different, and often they have Potter's marks.

[Kaaren B.]

Thanks for all this info. The big round jar has a deeper moss green color, a finer crackle glaze, and I believe is what is called Goryeo Revival ware. I put it up here quite some time ago, and the mark was identified, but with some uncertainty because Chinese characters were used up to a point by Korean potters. I have seen that same mark on many celadon items from Korean on places like Ebay.

I have seen the really old stuff online, but do not expect to come upon one at these little yard sales, thrift shops, and estate sales!

But I do especially love the round jar! K.

[peterp]

I have not looked at Ebay for a long time. Not sure what they sell nowadays.
But I could give information on how to buy genuine antique Korean items in the Far East. That does still require they buyers to make sure themselves that these are genuine antiques.

[Kaaren B.]

Oh, I am in no position to buy, Peter. But I am playing Lottery faithfully and one day may be able to follow up on your advice! KB