base and a greyish celadon crackle glaze, with inlaid ‘sanggam′ design of floral medallions and a narrow band of fretwork beneath the rim, 10.5cm high, and a celadon crackle-glazed bowl, 18cm diameter (2)
Note: These cups, known as ‘masangbae’ (literally ‘cups used on horseback’), were wine vessels and were specifically made for use whilst on horseback. During the Goryeo dynasty it was custom for a commander to be bestowed a drink to ensure good fortune before heading to war, and were generally used by soldiers who had to stay on horseback during battle. A similar example can be found in the V&A, museum number C.872-1936.Cup: old hairline emanating from the rim, some pitting to the glaze and firing imperfections to the base area. Bowl: crack to the rim and possible restoration, some erosion of the glaze and firing imperfections to the base and well of the bowl.