Goryeo Dynasty Celadon Mei-ping Vase with Inlaid Fish-Dragon Design

A celadon vase fired during from the late Goryeo Dynasty to the early Joseon Dynasty. It represents a transitional piece from the era of celadon to that of buncheong ware. Regarding the meiping shape, the late Goryeo period saw a shift toward forms with less pronounced shoulders. The mouth is formed with a thick, disc-like rim. The central body features inlaid designs of two "fish-dragons" breathing fire. With the upper body of a dragon and the lower body of a carp, this motif is considered to symbolize career advancement, rapid success, and good fortune. The design is framed above and below by lotus petal patterns and greek key pattern. The glaze has a greenish hue and a thick, glassy quality combined with the high-temperature firing, this suggests the piece likely originated from a northern kiln. Fine crackle-glaze patterns cover the entire surface. The foot ring is unglazed, and the interior of the foot retains numerous firing scars likely from crushed stone or shells used as supports. The fish-dragon is a rare and auspicious motif, suggesting this piece was likely once owned by a person of high status. The piece retains an overall glossy finish and is in good condition. There is a crack on the base, which appears to have occurred during firing, it does not extend to the interior.