Wine bottle, mid 12th century. Unidentified, Korean, Koryo period. Stoneware with celadon glaze. H: 28.5 W: 18.8 cm. Korea. Gift of Charles Lang. Freer F1912.96. © 2014 Smithsonian Institution

This bottle, probably made for use in the royal court, is embellished with the motif of phoenixes among peony scrolls, which signifies peace and prosperity. Masterful carving of the design caused the glaze to pool in the deeper cuts. Where the glaze is thick, it appears darker, outlining the motifs and emphasizing the incised details.