Square incense burner, Goryeo dynasty, 12th century. Celadon with impressed kui dragon design, Yongun-ri or Sadang-ri, Gangjin kilns. Height 11.9 cm; Width 17.6×16.2 cm ; Weight 1000g. Gift of SUMITOMO Group, the ATAKA Collection, 00134. Photo MUDA Tomohiro. © The Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka

This work imitates the form of one of the ancient Chinese bronze vessels called ding. The surface bears an impressed kui dragon and key fret decoration, which are also found on bronze vessels. It is a finely executed work, which is demonstrated in the beautiful glaze color, the refined decoration, and the handsome form of the body. The only defect would be the four legs which are uneven and warped. Sherds of a similar work have been excavated from the second stratum of site No.10 of Yongun-ri and site No.7 of Sadang-ri, both in Gangjin-gun, Jeollanam-do. Sherds were also found at the site of Wonsando, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do, in which the work was probably used. A square incense burner with a taotie mask design was discovered from the site of Shurasan, Fukuoka-shi, Japan, indicating that such wares were introduced to Japan by the 13th century.