Celadon Pendant with Red Swirls
 
This unique piece is covered with deep red swirls that contrast nicely with the celadon green of the background. It is unusual to see such a deep and vibrant red on a celadon piece. It is sure to be a showpiece.
 
The pendant is 6 cm (2.36 inches) in circumference with an adjustable silk cord and will arrive in a handmade hanji (Korean mulberry paper) box with the symbol for longevity on the top. Due to the handmade nature of this pendant, slight variations in color and design may occur. Each pendant has an adjustable silk cord.
 
The History of Celadon
 
Although celadon was developed in China around 200 AD, Korea perfected it and brought it to a new level. Around 900 AD, during the Goryeo Dynasty, master potters in the Gangjin area of southwest Korea developed an exciting new technique called ‘sanggam.’ Sanggam carves designs into partially dried clay which are then filled with slip (wet clay) of different colors. The celadon glaze is fine and translucent enough for the underlying colors to show through, creating an inlaid effect so delicate that the designs appear to be created with brushstrokes.
 
Throughout the Goryeo period, Korean celadon vases were in high demand by the royal courts in Korea and abroad. This came to an abrupt end with the Mongolian invasion in the 13th century. Other styles and designs became popular over the years but during the Joseon Dynasty master potters once again turned to learning and mastering the sanggam technique. Since the end of the Joseon Dynasty in the early 1900s, potters have continued creating sanggam designs and today, they are combining old techniques with modern aesthetics to create masterful works of art.