The Goryeo elite admires the splendid civilization…

The Goryeo elite admires the splendid civilization that emerges during China's Song Dynasty (960-1279).

Official delegations and ordinary merchants bring Goryeo gold, silver, and ginseng to China in exchange for Song silks, porcelains, and woodblock books.

The treasured Song porcelains stimulate Goryeo artisans to produce an even finer type of inlaid celadon porcelain.

Unmatched in the world before or since for the pristine clarity of its blue-green glaze and the delicate art of its inlaid portraits (usually of flowers or animals), Goryeo celadon displays the refined taste of aristocrats and will later have great influence on potters in Japan.