Vessel in the Shape of a Duck, approx. 200-300
Korea; ancient region of Gaya
Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE-668 CE)
Earthenware
The Avery Brundage Collection, B63 P13+

This object appears in the Korea to 1392 Gallery of the Korea Gallery Suite.

Ancient Koreans believed birds to be messengers to the spirit world because they could travel over the land and water and through the sky. In some villages, figures of birds can still be seen on the top of tall wooden poles, recalling their earlier importance. Because they mate for life, ducks were especially favored by Koreans.

The prominent opening on the back and tail of this vessel indicates that it was used for serving wine or pouring purified water at special rituals and ceremonies.

Many viewers have been intrigued by the duck's whimsical expression.

© Asian Art Museum of San Francisco