Goryeo Dynasty Bronze Silver Inlaid Willow Waterfowl Kundika Vase Korean

This is a Koryo ancient bronze silver-inlaid vase with a pattern of willow and water birds. It is a water bottle, originally one of the 18 items a monk had to carry, gradually becoming a vessel for clean water offered to Buddha. It is also used during Buddhist rituals when the monk leading the ceremony sprinkles sweet dew water with a pine branch to drive away all demons and suffering. The body of Koryo-era vases is generally egg-shaped, with a smoothly finished long neck topped with a lid-like round rim. The vase captures beautiful scenery, like a painting, featuring willow trees hanging low on hills and fishermen rowing by the water. These scenes are all decorated with the silver inlay technique, where grooves are carved into the surface and silver lines are embedded. Cloud patterns are depicted on the long neck of the vase, around the shoulders and heels of the body, and grass patterns on the ears. The silver curves match the rusted body, creating a unique atmosphere. The height is 12.91 inches. The maximum width is 6.30 inches. The weight is 1.45 kg. The condition shows damage, distortion, missing parts, metal corrosion, rust, and dirt due to age-related deterioration.

Details

Condition	Good
Origin	South Korea (Republic of Korea)
Material	Bronze
Era	Unknown
Dimensions	Height: 12.9 in