Korean pottery, which nowadays attracts the highest praise from international collectors, is typically divided into three groups:
Cheongja (blue-green celadon), Buncheong (slip-coated stoneware), and Baekja (white porcelain). Celadon refers to Korean stoneware, which underwent major development in the hands of Goryeo potters some 700 to 1,000 years ago. Celadon pottery is marked by an attractive jade blue surface and the unique Korean inlay technique used to decorate it. Gangjin of Jeollanam-do and Buan of Jeollabuk-do were the two main producers during the Goryeo period (918–1392).
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Kiln Site in Gangjin, Jeollanam-do The remains of ancient kilns can be seen in Gangjin, the largest production site of celadon during the Goryeo period. |
| 1. Celadon Melon-Shaped Bottle (Goryeo, 12th century) 2. Celadon Jar with Peony Design (Goryeo, 12th century) 3. Buncheong Bottle with Lotus and Vine Design (Joseon, 15th century) 4. White Porcelain Bottle with String Design in Underglaze Iron (Joseon, 16th century) |
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100 to 600 years ago, white porcelain ware was the main representation of Korean ceramic art. While some of these porcelain wares display a milky white surface, many are decorated with a great variety of designs painted in oxidized iron, copper, or the priceless cobalt blue pigment imported from Persia via China. The Royal Court of Joseon ran its own kilns in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do, producing products of the highest quality. The advanced techniques used in the production of white porcelain wares were introduced to Japan by Joseon potters kidnapped during the Imjin Waeran (Japanese invasion of Korea 1592–1598).
The third main group of Korean pottery is Buncheong ware, which was independently made by Goryeo potters 500 to 600 years ago after the fall of their Kingdom.
Today, traditional artworks such as paintings, calligraphy works, and pottery are widely traded through auctions in galleries and antique shops in Insa-dong, Seoul.
.png "Two-Tier Chest This durable and practical wooden chest used for storing clothes is lavishly decorated with a mother-of-pearl inlay design.")
