Bronze Kundika with Silver-inlaid Willow and Waterfowl Design

Also called: Silver-inlaid bronze kundika

A Goryeo bronze ritual ewer whose surface is cut and inlaid with silver wire to show a waterside of willows, reeds and waterfowl — the same principle as inlaid celadon.

A kundika held pure water offered to the Buddha in Buddhist rites. On this one, fine grooves were cut in the bronze and silver wire hammered in (eunipsa) to draw willows and reeds on a bank, birds swimming and flying, and people in boats and fishing — a lyrical waterside scene. The bronze has since corroded to green.

Filling a design with another material is the same principle as inlaid celadon and mother-of-pearl lacquer, a hallmark of Goryeo craft. It is a National Treasure in the National Museum of Korea.