Goryeo Celadon Water Dropper with Peony Relief

This is a celadon water dropper dating from the late Goryeo dynasty.
A water dropper is a vessel used to hold a small amount of water for grinding ink in calligraphy; it is considered one of the "Four Treasures of the Scholar’s Study" in Korea.
These objects saw significant development on the Korea, where they were crafted in a wide variety of forms, often imbued with symbolic meaning by the literati who used them.
This particular piece is a miniature version of a medium-sized ewer.
It features a cylindrical body that tapers into a neck, accented by raised ridges.
The top is adorned with a flower bud and a charming bird.
A gently curved spout, decorated with incised patterns, extends from the shoulder, while a flat handle is attached to the opposite side.
Two sides of the body feature "windows" containing relief-carved motifs of three peony blossoms.
The piece is covered overall in a lustrous, greenish-blue glaze characteristic of Goryeo celadon; however, the peony motif is left unglazed and instead coated with a different green pigment, creating a texture reminiscent of bronze.
Traces remain from the firing process, where the object was placed on refractory stones.
There is an opening on the underside through which water can be added; the interior features a dual-layered structure designed to prevent water from spilling out.

There is a small chip on the tail of the bird ornament at the top. The tip of the spout shows signs of a repair, where a broken piece has been glued back on.
Although the glaze exhibits some discoloration and surface weathering (devitrification), it retains its luster.
The green pigment of the peony motif at the center of the body has flaked off slightly, which, rather than detracting, lends the piece an appealing, aged character.