Celadon Sanjo Gayageum with Inlaid Plum Blossoms – A Masterpiece by a Master Artisan

“An instrument reborn in silence — where music rests in the curve of celadon.”

This remarkable work is a porcelain reinterpretation of the gayageum — Korea’s most beloved traditional zither — reimagined on an intimate, mid-sized scale at approximately 30 cm in length. Entirely handcrafted in Icheon by Master Ceramicist Kwon Oh-Hak, it transforms a musical instrument into an object of quiet contemplation, where sound gives way to the visual harmony of glaze, form, and motif.

The body is shaped from Goryeo-style celadon clay, coated in a luminous jade-green glaze with the gentle crackle pattern treasured in classical Korean ceramics. Adorning its surface is the maehwa (plum blossom) motif — a symbol of resilience, purity, and the promise of renewal — executed with the sanggam inlay technique. Each blossom and branch flows naturally across the soundboard, as if traced by a spring breeze.

Every defining element of a true gayageum is faithfully echoed in ceramic: the three resonating chambers at the base, the finely carved anjok (bridge pegs shaped like goose feet), the taut, twisted strings, and the ornamental butterfly tassels that fall softly to the side. The reddish-brown rim and hand-brushed details lend warmth and contrast to the cool celadon green, while the soft curvature of the blossoms reveals the artisan’s mastery over glaze, slip, and fire.

Though not intended for performance, this celadon gayageum commands attention as a centrepiece. Whether resting upon a cabinet of fine wood or set in a sunlit alcove, it radiates a quiet elegance — a noble stillness that enriches any refined space. It is a sculpture that holds the memory of music, inviting both the eye and the imagination to linger.

As with all handmade works, slight variations in glaze tone, inlay detail, or surface texture are to be expected and celebrated. Each piece carries the breath of the kiln and the touch of the maker’s hands, making it truly one of a kind.

Dimensions

• Width- 8cm (3.15 inch)
• Depth- 4cm (1.57 inch)
• Height- 30cm (11.81 inch)

Related Links

• About Celadon

• Master Artisan’s Collection

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