Floral-shaped Cup Stand

As early as the seventh century, the practice of drinking tea and wine became an important part of elite culture in Korea. Elites of the Goryeo period commissioned a variety of types of utensils and vessels including this delicate-looking cup stand, not only to make their drinking experience more exciting, but also to show their refined taste. This tea bowl must have been produced at one of the state-run kilns located in Kangjin, southern Jeolla province.