Celadon and White Porcelain: The Elegance of Korean Ceramics

Korean ceramics act as a mirror reflecting the spirit of their era. The vibrant, intricate celadon of the Goryeo Dynasty and the humble, elegant white porcelain of the Joseon Dynasty are considered the essence of Korean art.

Goryeo Celadon: The Aesthetics of Jade-Blue

Color and Production: Celadon is created by applying a glaze containing iron and firing it in a kiln. During the Goryeo era, people praised this unique jade-like hue as "Bisaek" (the color of rain or jade).

Features: The defining characteristic of Goryeo celadon is the "Inlay Technique" (Sanggam). This method involves carving into the surface and filling it with clay of a different color, reflecting the sophisticated aesthetic preferences of the Goryeo royal court and aristocracy.

Aesthetic: Goryeo celadon aimed to emulate the curves of nature and the light of the sky. To the people of Goryeo, it was an artistic tool for pursuing an ideal world.

Joseon White Porcelain: The Aesthetics of Emptiness

Color and Production: White porcelain is crafted using pure white clay (such as kaolin) and fired after being covered with a transparent glaze.

Features: As the Joseon Dynasty adopted Neo-Confucianism as its governing ideology, aesthetic tastes shifted from the flamboyance of celadon to the restrained simplicity of white porcelain. The forms are simple yet carry a dignified weight; "Blue-and-white porcelain," decorated with blue pigments, often embodied the literary sensibilities of the scholars.

Aesthetic: White porcelain symbolizes the "aesthetics of emptiness." Its plain, unpretentious nature represents the integrity and upright spirit pursued by the intellectuals of the Joseon Dynasty.

At a Glance