Spoon (Cleveland Museum of Art 1917.331)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
918–1392
Celadons, spoons, seals, and bronze mirrors were the most common burial objects in tombs during the Goryeo period (918–1392). Furnishing tombs with an elaborate assemblage of objects was believed to honor and comfort the newly dead.
Generally, Goryeo tombs were left untouched until the late 19th century. During the colonial period (1910–45), however, Japanese archaeologists hastily excavated the tombs located in Kaeseong, the former capital of the Goryeo period. Cleveland Museum of Art object 1917.331: Spoon (청동 수저 [靑銅匙]), 918–1392. Korea, Goryeo dynasty (918–1392). overall: 29.7 cm (11 11/16 in.). Details are those of this museum object; how far it represents a wider type has not been independently verified.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
Bronze spoons are the most common burial item. The shape of the spoon suggests it was used for tea.
Physical characteristics
- Materials
- Research required
- Dimensions
- Overall: 29.7 cm (11 11/16 in.)
- Measurements
- Overall: 29.7 cm (11 11/16 in.)
Identification
- Date recorded
- 918–1392
- Culture period
- Korea, Goryeo dynasty (918–1392)
- Holding institution
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- Museum object number
- 1917.331
- Published references
- L. W. "Korean Bronze Spoons of the Korai Dynasty." The Bulletin of the Cleveland Museum of Art 4, no. 6 (1917): 99-101. Reproduced: Front Matter; Mentioned: pp. 99-101 Goryeo Dynasty: Korea's Age of Enlightenment, 918-1392 . San Francisco: Asian Art Museum, 2003. Horlyck Charlotte. "The Eternal Link: Grave Goods of the Koryŏ Kingdom (918-1392 CE)." Ars Orientalis , no. 44 (2014): 156-79. Yun, Seong-jae. “The Special Meanings of Spoons and Chopsticks in the Goryeo Dynasty [고려시대 분묘출토 청동수저].” Yeoksa wa silhak (2015): 51-68. Bronze in Life and Art [삶과 예술 속. 청동 靑銅 이야기] National Cheongju Museum (2016). Jeong, Eui-do. Changes of Spoons during the Late Goryeo Period [고려후기 숟가락의 변화].” Hanguk jungse gogohak (2017): 139-157.
- Museum classification
- Metalwork
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: this record describes a single museum object; confirm maker, marks and date against silver and metalwork references.