Celadon Gye-Young Bae: Flowing Yeonri Pattern Created from Three Clays By Master Artisan

“Where the boundary between intention and surrender becomes art.”

At first glance, this set appears almost hypnotic—its undulating lines ripple like silk caught in motion. But beneath the visual rhythm lies something deeper: a vessel shaped not only for beauty, but for wisdom.

This is a Gye-young Bae—a sobriety cup—whose structure gently enforces moderation. When filled beyond its unseen threshold, the liquid vanishes through a hidden internal passage. This is not a flaw, but a reminder: that excess empties, and balance endures.

Crafted entirely by hand on the potter’s wheel by master artisan Kim Yong-Seop, the form is compact, elegant, and demanding in its execution. But it is the surface that astonishes: a swirling pattern known as Yeonri (연리문), achieved through the precise layering and manipulation of three differently coloured clays. The process walks a tightrope between control and chaos—too much blending, and the colours muddy; too little, and they fracture. Each piece emerges with its own rhythm, its own unpredictable logic. No two will ever be the same.

Though developed during the Goryeo period, this technique has remained elusive—its complexity making it far less common than the well-known sanggam inlay. Here, the artist revives it with clarity and boldness. The result is neither ornamental nor austere—it is alive, as if the clay itself remembers how to move.

This work is as much about experience as it is about form. The mysterious mechanism of the Gye-young Bae invites interaction; the shifting Yeonri patterns encourage long contemplation. Together, they ask us not only to pour, but to pause.

Dimension

• Height- 12 cm (4.72 inch)
• Width- 12 cm (4.72 inch)
• Length- 16 cm (6.3 inch)

Related Links

• About Celadon

We ship worldwide. Following are the terms and conditions that constitute our Shipping Policy.

Artinko Products: Care and Authenticity

All information supplied through the Site is for informational purposes regarding the history and care of traditional Korean crafts. While we guarantee 100% authentic materials, Artinko is not responsible for damage caused by improper handling, such as using non-food-safe decorative items for dining or using harsh chemicals on delicate Mother-of-Pearl surfaces.

Section 13: Our Delivery Guarantee

Unlike standard templates, Artinko takes full responsibility for your order until it is safely in your hands. We understand the fragile nature of traditional Korean ceramics and lacquerware. In the rare event that an item is damaged or lost during transit, we will resend the item at no extra cost to you or issue a full refund immediately upon verification of the damage.

Returns & Refunds

• 14-Day Return Policy: Merchandise can be returned or exchanged within 14 days of receipt if the product has not been opened or used and remains in its original packaging.

• Process: To start a return or report a shipping issue, please contact us at contact@artinko.com.

• Exchanges: We only replace items if they are defective or damaged.

Shipment processing time

• All orders are aimed to be processed within 5 days after receipt of payment. Orders are not shipped on weekends and holidays.
• If we are experiencing a high volume of orders, shipments may be delayed by a few days. We will contact you by email if there is some delay in shipment of your order.

Shipping rates and delivery estimates

• All orders are shipped by K-Packet, Air mail, EMS, Express Courier (UPS, Fedex, DHL Etc).
• K-Packet shipping is basic shipping service. K-Packet estimated shipping time is 14-21 days, depending on your region. If weight is over 2kg, K-packet service would be converted to Air Mail.
• EMS estimated shipping time is 7-14 days, depending on your region. Please note that Air Mail shipping method may not be available for all countries.
• Express Courier estimated shipping time is 5-10 days.
• Shipping charges for your order will be calculated and displayed at checkout.
• Parcels are sent tracked where possible, and you will receive an automated email with a tracking number once your order is processed.

Shipment to P.O. boxes

• We do ship to P.O. boxes

Shipment confirmation and Order tracking

• You will receive a shipment confirmation email with a tracking number once your order has been shipped.

Damages

• We pack our items with extreme care to ensure they survive the journey. In the rare event of damage, contact us immediately with a photo and we will work with you to find a solution.

Customs duty

• Please note that your parcel may be subjected to the customs of your country when it arrived in. And the customs duty is the recipient’s responsibility. USA customers only: we pay your customs fee!
• Please note we have no control over these fees. Delivery time may also be delayed if local customs have your package on hold for a long period of time.

If you have problems with delivery, please send us an email to contact@artinko.com