Water Ewer, 1100s‒1200s. Goryeo dynasty, Korea.  
Bronze; 14 x dia: 5 3/8 in. Denver Art Museum: Gift of Dr. Robert Rinden by exchange, 1971.5

height: 14 in, 35.5600 cm; diameter: 5.375 in, 13.6525 cm

Arts of Asia

Arts of Asia

This object is currently on view

Water Ewer
1100s‒1200s, Goryeo dynasty (918‒1392)
Korea
Bronze
Gift of Dr. Robert Rinden by exchange
1971.5

Water ewers have their origins in vessels carried by Buddhist monks in India. This bronze ewer has a long, narrow neck with a circular collar at its center that could serve as a place to grip this bottom-heavy container. Korean paintings from the Goryeo dynasty show that water ewers like this were made in varying shapes and sizes and served both ritual and utilitarian functions. Beautifully glazed porcelain ewers of this type were most likely intended for domestic use in Korean households.

At least 1971, Arthur Jolliffe [b. 1905, d. 1984], Jolliffe's Orientals; 1971, DAM collection, gift of Dr. Robert Rinden by exchange.