Korean Ceramics

Twelve centuries, four distinctive ceramic techniques

The story of ceramics on the Korean peninsula starts with earthenware produced from 8000BC.

But it was from the Goryeo Dynasty in the 10th century that a distinctive Korean aesthetic developed using techniques learned from China.

From 12 centuries ago, three types of Korean ceramics have been famed throughout Asia and beyond:

  • Celadon
  • White Porcelain
  • Buncheong Ware

    CELADON

    청자 / 靑磁 / Cheong-ja / 'Jade-green porcelain'

    First made in Korea in the Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392), the pale jade-hued glaze of Korean Celadon was so prized by China's Song Dynasty that they called it "first under heaven". Although it was often decorated,  pure Celadon in simple forms like the bowl above can be admired as great works of minimalist design even today, some 7 centuries later.

    See our selection of contemporary works in Korean Celadon here

     
     

     

    WHITE PORCELAIN

    백자 / 白磁 / Baek-ja / 'White porcelain'

     

    Korean white porcelain production reached its peak 7 centuries ago, during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897).  So high was the quality, it was used by Korean royalty and frequently requested as a tribute from the peninsula by China's Ming Dynasty.  Baekja is considered a pinnacle of ceramic craft, particularly when expressed in classic archetypes like the Moon Jar above (National Treasure No.1437).

    See our selection of contemporary works in Korean White Porcelain here

     

    BUNCHEONG WARE

    분청 /  紛靑 / Buncheong /  'Powder-decorated jade-green ceramics'

    The unmistakable character of Buncheong ware comes from its distinctive white 'slip', a fine layer of clay that veils the darker clay below.  The slip is poured or brushed onto the vessel, and the technique shows in the final work - this is the form's intrinsic charm. The brush marks on the bowl above are the distinguishing feature of the guiyal technique in Buncheong ware.

    First appearing in the 14th century in Korea, Buncheong ware became so highly valued that in the 16th century, master ceramic artists were removed from Korea to continue their craft in Japan, where it became known as Mishima ware.

    See our selection of contemporary works in Buncheong Ware here

     
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    BLACKWARE

    흑자 / 黑磁 / Heuk-ja / 'Black ceramics'

    The fourth Korean ceramic technique is lesser known but of no lesser distinction: enigmatic Korean Blackware. Often made by artists of Buncheong ware, these unique ceramics are made from a dark clay and a finish that varies from matte black to lustrous anthracite.

    See our selection of contemporary works in Blackware here

     

    All images courtesy of the National Museum of Korea.
    Image 1: Earthenware Jar, Lelang Commandery (108BC-313)
    Image 2: Celadon Bowl, Goryeo Dynasty
    Image 3: White porcelain Moon Jar, Joseon Dynasty, National Treasure No.1437
    Image 4: Buncheong Bowl with White-slip Brushed Design, Joseon Dynasty
    Image 5: Black-glazed Bowl, Joseon Dynasty