Celadon Maebyeong Vase Pair: Double-Wall Openwork with Peony and Chilbo Motifs

This pair is chosen by those who recognise mastery not as display, but as the quiet discipline required to let light pass through form.

"Where silence gathers in shadow, and every carved opening holds its breath."

This paired set of celadon maebyeong vases is conceived as a meditation on balance—between solidity and void, ornament and restraint, visibility and concealment. Though closely related in form and technique, each vessel retains its own presence, allowing the pair to exist in dialogue rather than symmetry.

Both vases are realised through the highly demanding double-wall openwork technique, known in Korean ceramics as ijung tugak. An inner chamber is first formed, around which an outer wall is constructed and meticulously pierced. This process allows no margin for error: the thickness of each wall, the spacing of every opening, and the overall structural balance must remain exact, or the vessel will fail during firing. What survives is not only the result of skill, but of sustained patience and controlled restraint.

Across the pierced surfaces, peony motifs (mokdanmun) unfold in relief. In Korean tradition, the peony is honoured as the “King of Flowers,” symbolising prosperity, dignity, and the fullest expression of life. Here, the blossoms are not merely decorative. Their rounded petals emerge between latticed openings, dissolving into void and reappearing as form, creating a gentle rhythm in which light and shadow participate equally. The peonies seem to breathe with the vessel, their presence defined as much by absence as by substance.

Subtle applications of white and red slip animate selected petals and buds. These restrained accents sit quietly against the jade-green celadon glaze, lending depth without disrupting the overall calm. Light passes through the openwork, settles briefly on these touches of colour, and moves on—an effect that changes throughout the day and with each viewing.

Interwoven among the lattice are evenly placed crimson dots inspired by the chilbo motif. Traditionally associated with harmony, continuity, and auspicious abundance, chilbo patterns often appear as repeating elements that suggest order without rigidity. Here, they introduce a measured cadence across the surface, grounding the openness of the pierced structure with visual steadiness.

Above and below the openwork body, bands of floral ornament are applied using the sanggam technique. These more densely articulated sections provide moments of repose, anchoring the airy central field and reinforcing the vessel’s compositional balance. The contrast between the carved lattice and the quieter, more solid zones allows the form to settle without becoming static.

The vessels follow the classic maebyeong profile, with generous shoulders tapering into a slender neck. Historically admired for both function and elegance, the maebyeong form was used to hold liquids and seasonal branches alike. In this pair, the silhouette offers continuity with tradition while serving as a disciplined framework for technical experimentation.

Together, these two vases form a unified yet breathing whole. They do not mirror one another precisely, nor do they compete for attention. Instead, they establish a shared field of quiet intensity—where craftsmanship, symbolism, and light converge.

This is not simply a pair of vessels.

It is an encounter with time, patience, and the space between things—

where mastery carves light into silence, and balance is allowed to breathe.

Dimensions

• Height- 32.5 cm (12.8 inch)
• Diameter- 22 cm (8.66 inch)

Related Links

• About Celadon

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

Shipment processing time

• All orders are aimed to be processed within 5 daye 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

• Artinko is not liable for any products damaged or lost during shipping. If you received your order damaged, please take a picture of it and contact us as soon as possible and we'll try to resolve it.

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.
• 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 goryeo.artinko@gmail.com