This zodiac figurine represents 申 (Saru / Monkey) and is crafted in the style of Korai Seiji 高麗青磁. The piece is covered in a luminous celadon glaze whose soft blue-green tone and fine crackle pattern evoke the refined aesthetic long associated with traditional Korean celadon ware.
The monkey is rendered in a compact and stylized form, its rounded body and gently simplified facial features giving the figure a playful yet serene character. The subtle sculpting of the ears, snout, and curled tail adds life to the piece, while the glossy celadon glaze accentuates the contours and reveals delicate crackle patterns across the surface, a hallmark of celadon ceramics.
Korean celadon, particularly from the Goryeo period (918–1392), is celebrated worldwide for its jade-like glaze and elegant forms. Works inspired by this tradition emphasize harmony, balance, and quiet beauty, qualities reflected in this small zodiac sculpture.
In the East Asian zodiac, the monkey (申) symbolizes intelligence, curiosity, and wit. Combining auspicious meaning with the timeless beauty of celadon glazing, this monkey figurine serves as both a delightful zodiac ornament and a graceful expression of classical ceramic artistry.
