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Museum

From the Fire: Tradition Transformed

Introduction

Archaeological discoveries of Korean earthenware vessels dating as early as 8000-7000 B.C. E. give us clues that the Korean ceramic tradition is very old indeed. Ceramics evolved from the relatively soft reddish brown earthenware from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages to a gray stoneware thrown on a wheel and fired in a reduction atmosphere (less oxygen) at higher temperatures. The gray stoneware, influenced by the Han Chinese, was made Korean by its development into a hard, grey-blue stoneware.

Several periods in Korean history are especially important in the ceramic tradition transformed by the artists in this exhibition. First, is the Unified Silla Kingdom (668-935 C.E.), which utilized Buddhism to strengthen its consolidated kingdoms and established contact with other Asian and Middle Eastern countries. During the sixth and seventh centuries, Koreans used a lead glaze technique introduced from China that resulted in a greenish stoneware. The eighth century saw the introduction of popular stamped decorations, such as those used for Buddhist cinerary urns. During this period, ceramics were used for ritual, ceremonial, or utilitarian purposes. By the end of the Unified Silla Kingdom, Korean ceramicists were producing jagi (porcelain and celadon).

The Goryeo (Koryo) period (918-1392 C.E.), was called Korea’s Age of Enlightenment because Buddhism permeated every aspect of life, including ceramics. Many princes became Buddhist monks yet maintained a close relationship with the court so their power combined the spiritual and secular world. This period is known for its exquisite celadon ware (gray clay with green-colored glaze) reflecting aristocratic tastes; ceramics were no longer just functional, but were created for their aesthetic qualities such as grace and delicacy, signs of luxury and a lavish lifestyle. Goryeo celadon ware was used for incense burners, teapots, flower vases, brush holders, wine pitchers and other vessels shaped like plants and animals, incised and inlaid with a variety of designs such as clouds and cranes, waterfowl and willows, peonies, chrysanthemums, and lotus flowers. The Goryeo period’s luminous jade-green celadon is considered one of the finest achievements in ceramics. Goryeo celadon green is said to give “an impression of perfect tranquility and quietude . . . has a noble elegance . . . parallels the pure mind of Buddhism and the high state of Buddhist mercy . . .” (Kim, Jae-Yeol, in Goryeo Dynasty, pp. 233-4)).

After 100 years of Mongol invasion and rule (1270-1392), the Joseon (Choson) Dynasty (1392-1910) reacted against what they saw as luxuries and excess in the Goryeo period. Adopting Neo-Confucianism, with its philosophy of the pure mind, white porcelain became the symbol of the ideals of the state: purity, honor, order, and modesty. White porcelain was also painted. Punch’ong stoneware (grayish-blue stoneware decorated with white slip and light brown or light yellow in oxidation firing) was made more for ordinary people and was decorated by variety of methods, including inlay, incising, stamping, painting, and so on. Korean potters during this period worked toward perfection and purity and, at the same time, experimented with a looser application of slip, painted images, less perfect balance, and a wide range of techniques.

After Japanese occupation of Korea from 1910-1945, a slow recovery of both tradition and innovation began, primarily in universities in Korea. Contemporary ceramicists in this exhibition have developed their own interpretations of a long tradition of developing glazes, shaping clay body, and expressing a new ceramics tradition.

Tradition Transformed Ceramics

Hwang, Jong Koo

Kim, Soo Jeong

You, He Ja

Joo, Ji Wan

Kim, Yik Yung

Kwon Soon Hyung

Whang, Chong Nye

Yoo, Byung Ho

Kim, See Man

Park, Nae Heon

Choi, Sung Jae

Lee, Jeong Do

Lim, Jin Ho

Seo, Byung Ho

Lee, Soo Jeong

Lee, Kang Hyo

Roe, Kyung Joe

Lee, In Chin

Cho, Chung Hyun

Choi, Suk Jin

Park, Kyoung Soon

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Last modified: Thursday July 17, 2008 14:55:07