Detail

`The Ministry of Communications has decided to seek a more systematic issuance of definitive stamps by dividing them into three classes-high-priced, middle-priced and low-priced stamps-each of which will have its thematic aim of design fixed for five years. For this 400-won stamp, belonging to the high-priced class and expected to be used mostly for the international post, a Koryo celadon incense-burner, one of our national cultural properties, has been chosen as the theme of its design in sccordance with high-priced stamp issuance policy. This celadon-glazed pot, 15.5㎝ high and 12.4㎝ in diameter at the bottom and presumed to be an early 12th century product, was made by employing a technique called Sang-gam which means sculpturing various patterns on the surface and inlaying them with gold, silver and red copper. This particular celadon also shows the employment of a variety of other pot-making skills rarely found in Koryo celadons. The brazier, whose outer surface is decorated with exquisitely embossed chrysanthemum leaves, rests on a pedestal supported by three playful rabbits. The incense smoke is to go out through the incised cover reticulated in the shape of a ball. The clear and light atmosphere emanating from a Koryo celadon is such that one feels as if one is looking at the sky after rain in the autumn. This naturalness of color displays the artistic extent reached only by our ancestors who so well reflected harmony with nature in their works of art. The incense-burner, picturesque but still maintaining balance, may be regarded as representing the exquisite beauty of Koryo celadon-glazed pots. Designated as National Treasure No. 95, the pot is in the possession of the National Museum.`