Ewer with Peonies and Scrolling Leaves, Goryeo dynasty (918–1392), early 12th century. Celadon-glazed stoneware with underglaze painting in iron-brown. H. 18.5 cm (7 1/4 in.); diam. 15.1 cm (5 15/16 in.). Gift of Mr. Russell Tyson, 1950.1632. The Art Institute of Chicago

Ewer, Goryeo dynasty (918–1392), early 12th century. Celadon-glazed stoneware with gold repair. H. 21.1 cm (8 5/16 in.); diam. 16.8 cm (6 5/8 in.). Bequest of Russell Tyson, 1964.953. The Art Institute of Chicago

Gourd-Shaped Ewer with Twisted Handle, Goryeo dynasty (918–1392), mid–12th century. Celadon-glazed stoneware with underglaze molded and incised decoration. H. 24.0 cm (9 7/16 in.); diam. 16.1 cm (6 5/16 in.). Bequest of Russell Tyson, 1964.954a-b. The Art Institute of Chicago

Ewer in the Form of a Bamboo Shoot, Goryeo dynasty (918–1392), mid–12th century. Celadon-glazed stoneware with underglaze molded decoration. H. 23.1 cm (9 1/10 in); diam.(including spout) 22.1 cm (8 5/7 in.); Lid: H. 6.9 cm; diam. 6.9 cm; H.(without lid) 19.8 cm; diam. 14.6 cm.. Bequest of Russell Tyson, 1964.976a-b, The Art Institute of Chicago

Gourd-Shaped Ewer with Twisted Rope Handle, Lotus Leaves, and Floral Sprays, Goryeo dynasty (918–1392), 12th century. Stoneware with celadon glaze and underglaze carved decoration. H. 7 3/4 in.. Bequest of Russell Tyson, 1964.951. The Art Institute of Chicago.

Bird Shaped Ewer with Crowned Rider Holding a Bowl, Goryeo dynasty (918–1392), 12th century. Stoneware with celadon glaze and underglaze incised decoration, 21.4 × 17.7 × 13.2 cm (8 1/2 × 7 × 5 1/2 in.). Bequest of Russell Tyson, 1964.1213. The Art Institute of Chicago.

One of the notable artistic accomplishments of the Goryeo period was the production of sculptural celadon ceramics, such as this ingenious duck-shaped vessel. The duck’s extended tail is swept upwards to form a handle, which supports a human figure holding a bowl that wine would have been poured into, and its beak is fashioned into a spout. The human figure wears a headdress and a flowing robe, indicating that he is a Daoist immortal and suggesting that this ewer was used for ritual or ceremonial purposes. In its carefully rendered details and beautifully translucent color, this vessel is both a technical tour de force and a playfully charming object for admiration and delight.

Ewer in the Form of a Melon with Bamboo Spout, Goryeo dynasty (918–1392), 12th century. Celadon-glazed stoneware with underglaze molded decoration. H. 16.6 cm; diam. 26.6 cm(including spout); diam. 16.1 cm (without spout); Lid: H. 3.8 cm; diam. 6.4 cm. Art Institute of Chicago Purchase Fund, 1910.21a-b.

Ewer Formed as Sprouting Bamboo, Goryeo dynasty (918–1392), 12th century. Stoneware with celadon glaze and underglaze incised and carved decoration. H. 28.3 cm (11 1/8 in.). Bequest of Russell Tyson, 1964.937. The Art Institute of Chicago

Ewer with Stylized Lotus Flowers and Chrysanthemums, Goryeo dynasty (918–1392), late 12th century. Celadon-glazed stoneware with underglaze inlaid decoration of black and white clays; metal repair. H. 20.9 cm (8 1/4 in.); diam 15.9 cm (6 1/4 in.). Bequest of Russell Tyson, 1964.955a-b. The Art Institute of Chicago

Gourd-Shaped Ewer with Lotus Flowers, Goryeo dynasty (918–1392), late 12th/early 13th century. Celadon-glazed stoneware with underglaze incised decoration. H. 25.5 cm (10 1/16 in.); diam. 17.3 cm (6 13/16 in.). Bequest of Russell Tyson, 1964.934. The Art Institute of Chicago

Ewer with Bamboo-shaped Spout, Fluting, and Leaves, Goryeo dynasty (918–1392), early 13th century. Stoneware with celadon glaze and underglaze incised and carved decoration. H. 24.1 cm (9 1/2 in.). Bequest of Russell Tyson, 1964.950. The Art Institute of Chicago

Melon-Shaped Ewer with Stylized Floral Scrolls, Goryeo dynasty (918–1392), 13th century. Stoneware with celadon glaze and underglaze inlaid decoration of black and white clays, with gold repair. H. 20.6 cm (8 1/8 in.). Bequest of Russell Tyson, 1964.952. The Art Institute of Chicago.