The Timeless Elegance of Korean Ceramics: Exploring the Distinctive ‘Korean’ Style
Korean ceramics have a long and rich history dating back nearly 9,000 years. Over time, Korean artisans have differentiated themselves in the production of celadon, buncheong ware, white and underglaze-coloured porcelain. Initially, ceramics were made for rituals or practical usage. However, their purpose shifted, and they started to be appreciated as works of art.
The difference between Goryeo (918 to 1392 CE) and Joseon (1392 to 1910 CE) period ceramics is a great example of how the values and aesthetics of Korean ceramics have changed over time. Goryeo ceramics were identified with celadon.
Initially, celadon ware was inspired by Yue ware from China. Subsequently, Chinese wares provided development and challenged Korean potter makers in their pursuit for superior ornamental techniques and glaze, which resembled the colour of jade.
The aesthetic of Goryeo celadon is obtained from the three components: shape, ornament, and glaze. The range of shapes varies from simple to complex and modelled, the decorations are incised, mold-impressed, carved, and openwork designs. Since the Goryeo period focused on Buddhism, religious designs, motifs, and patterns were often incorporated into their creation. Celadon embodied Buddhist ideas, and the vessels were ornamented with motifs of lotus flowers. Only one out of ten celadons manufactured satisfied the high standard of the court. It points out how much Goryeo celadon was treasured by the people at the time.
During the Joseon period, along with dynasty change, the political and economic systems shifted, and so did its ideology and culture. To contrast with Buddhism, which focused on the afterlife, the ideology of Neo-Confucianism centered on daily life and practicality. Thus, the ceramics produced during the Joseon period valued functionality and moderation. The white porcelain produced in China at the Jingdezhen kilns throughout the Ming dynasty (1368–1644) influenced Korea to adopt these ceramics. The white porcelain produced in Korea during the Joseon period was not simply a reproduction of Chinese porcelain; it had a distinctive Korean touch. Unlike the Chinese version, Korean white porcelain was made with pure white clay, and it did not have a glaze applied to its surface.
White porcelain was highly valued for its austere and graceful beauty. As a result, it became the dominant material for both ritualistic and daily use items. These ceramic vessels accompanied people throughout their lives, serving as essential items for various occasions, such as birth and death ritual, from placenta to burial goods. The use of ceramic vessels in the Joseon dynasty reveals important aspects of the court and nobility’s culture and ideology, including their appreciation for simplicity and elegance.
The Korean style of ceramics can be defined as an amalgamation of the country’s cultural, religious, and aesthetic values. The ceramic production process in Korea is unique as it often involves a deep connection to nature, which is a fundamental aspect of Korean culture. This connection is reflected in the use of natural materials like clay and wood ash, which are locally sourced. The clay used to create Korean ceramics is also special because of its high iron content, which gives the pottery its distinctive reddish-brown colour when fired at high temperatures.
In conclusion, the story of Korean ceramics is a fascinating one that spans centuries, reflecting the country’s cultural and aesthetic evolution. Each type of pottery, from the exquisite Goryeo celadon to the elegant Joseon white porcelain, embodies the values and artistic tastes of its respective period, serving as a testament to the rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions of Korea. Although valued differently by different groups of people throughout history, Korean ceramics remain a timeless and enduring legacy that continues to captivate and inspire people from all over the world.
Sources:
The arts of Korea. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1998.
Lee, Soyoung, and Denise Patry Leidy. Goryeo Celadon. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2013.
Lee, Soyoung. Ceramics and Ritual Vessels of the Royal Household: The Korean Collection of the National Museum of Korea. Seoul: National Museum of Korea, 2011.
Horlyck, Charlotte. “Underglaze Iron-Painted Wares of the Koryo Dynasty (918–1392).” Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London 76, no. 3 (2013): 467–84.
Horlyck, Charlotte. “The ‘Maebyeong’ Bottle in Koryo and Choson.” In Korean Art from the 19th Century to the Present, edited by Charlotte Horlyck and Yi Song-mi, 467–84. Farnham, Surrey, England: Ashgate, 2013.
So-hyun Kwon, Ceramics and Ritual Vessels of the Royal Household (Seoul: National Museum of Korea, 2011).
