Ancient Korean Ceramic Arts

Ceramic Incense Burner

Korean Ceramic Arts

Ancient Korean Ceramic Arts
The ancient Korean ceramics are filled with arts, most of which are based on the natural environment of that period. In this article, I am presenting the photos of ceramics that date back to the 12-13th Century of the Goryeo Dynasty period.

Without further adieu, here we go...

Incense Burner
Celadon with impressed lotus patent design
Goryeo Dynasty, 12th Century

Incense Burner Celadon with impressed lotus patent design Goryeo Dynasty, 12th Century

This incense burner shows that its lid is embellished with a sculptured figure, with holes to allow the smoke to flow out freely. The shape of the burner was modeled after metalware of the Tang Dynasty. Fragments of a similar celadon incense burner were excavated from a kiln site in Henan, China, the area which created such wares during the Northern Song dynasty.

Korean Ceramic Arts & Culture
It was my second visit to the National Museum of Korea when I took the fine celadons and ceramic permanent exhibits.

If you love this sort of art, then you are in the right place. This page will show you the beginnings of Korean celadon and the crafts of the old Korean artisans during the Goryeo Dynasty. Included on this page, of course, are the photographs of the celadon exhibition at the museum.

Ceramic Arts & Culture
It is believed that the invention of porcelain ware is one of the greatest achievements in the history of world ceramics. One can create porcelain, glazed wares by using fire in kilns that can withstand the extreme heat of over 1200 degrees centigrade.

During the early Goryeo Dynasty period (918-1392), the production of porcelain wares in Korea started. Although celadon wares were the most common type of ceramics during the Goryeo period, black-glazed wares and white porcelain wares were also manufactured but in limited editions.

The Chinese styles and techniques initially influenced the Korean celadon. However, the Goryeo artisan eventually discovered their own techniques with distinct and original characteristics. Goryeo celadon of the 12th Century is considered one of the finest and in Korean arts.

The period before the 12th Century is believed to be the developmental stage of Goryeo celadon production. Most of them were basically simple and not decorated.

The rise of celadon to its popularity arrived during the reigns of King Injong (circa 1122-1146) and King Uijong (circa 1146-1170).

There were the times when Goryeo craftsmen perfected their style by producing an exquisite jade colour of the glaze, which was called 'bisaek'.

With the refinement of the inlay technique, Goryeo celadon reached its zenith in the 12th Century.

Lobed Bottle Celadon, Goryeo Dynasty, 12th Century

This lobed bottle was reportedly handed down from the tomb of King Injong of Goryeo dynasty in 1122-1146. This design was initially from Chinese bronze liquor bottles. It is produced in the ceramic form in the Northern Song dynasty and was transported to Korea.

The last stage of Goryeo celadon creation dated from 1231 when the nation was attacked by the Mongolian invaders, until the fall of Goryeo dynasty in 1392.

The constant invasions by the Mongols and the Japanese raiders made the Goryeo ceramic craftsmen of Gangjin moved to safety, which opens regional kilns and spread their techniques.

Due to these events, ordinary people around the nation were able to use celadon wares for the first time.

Vase with plum blossom, bamboo, and crane design Goryeo Dynasty, 12-13th Century

The Vase features a calm and elegant atmosphere, large composition, and harmony between delicately inlaid patterns. Celadon with such exquisite mosaic patterns and spacious composition are mainly excavated from celadon kiln sites in Yucheon-ri, Buan-gun, Korea.

Covered Box Celadon with openwork tortoiseshell design Goryeo Dynasty, 13th Century

The box was found in a tomb in Mosan-ri, Jangheung-gun, Jeollanamdo, in 1939. It was with celadon covered boxes inlaid with chrysanthemums, a bronze mirror, and a needle case, which are obviously items for women before and today.

Covered Bowl, Dishes, Cup, Bowl Celadon, Goryeo Dynasty 11th Century

Dragon-shaped Ewer, Celadon Goryeo Dynasty, 12th Century

Pomegranate-shaped Ewer Celadon Goryeo Dynasty 12th century

Bamboo-sprout-shaped Ewer celadon Goryeo Dynasty, 12th Century

Pillow Celadon with openwork lotus scroll design Goryeo Dynasty, 12th Century

Lion-shaped Incense Burner Celadon Goryeo dynasty, 12th Century

Dragon-shaped Ewer Celadon Goryeo Dynasty, 12th Century

Incense Burner Celadons Celadon with impressed ferocious animal design Goryeo Dynasty, 12th Century

Maebyeong, Vase Celadon with incised lotus scroll design Goryeo Dynasty, 12th Century

This Vase is with a wide upper body that curves to become more narrow towards the foot, which is called maebyeong from the Chinese term 'meiping' or plum vase. The intricate feminine shape is made during the golden age of Goryeo celadon, which exemplifies the beautiful curves of Goryeo celadon.

Incense Burner (right) Celadon with impressed lotus patent design Goryeo Dynasty, 12th Century Mandarin-duck-shaped Incense Burner cover (left) Celadon, Goryeo Dynasty, 12th Century

This incense burner shows that its lid is embellished with a sculptured figure, with holes to allow the smoke to flow out freely. The shape of the burner was modeled after metal-ware of the Tang Dynasty. Fragments of a similar celadon incense burner were excavated from a kiln site in Henan, China, the area which created such wares during the Northern Song dynasty.

Jar Celadon with inlaid peony design Goryeo Dynasty, 12-13th Century

Goryeo celadon vessels often copied the shape and form of contemporary bronzeware, as exemplified by this two-handled jar. The animal designs of the handles originated from bronzeware. The large, distinct type of the jar is well complemented by the peony design that is inlaid on the front and back.

Maebyeong, Vase (front, right) Celadon with inlaid cloud and crane design Goryeo Dynasty, 12-13th Century

The crane-and-cloud design, rarely found on Chinese celadon, was unique to Goryeo celadon. Cranes were auspicious symbols of nobility and longevity, and thus frequently appear on Goryeo inlaid celadons.

Bowl (front, right)
Celadon with inlaid chrysanthemum scroll design
Goryeo Dynasty, 12th Century

The bowl is considered as Korea's oldest surviving inlay celadon with approximately made during the 13th year (1159) of King Uijong of the Goryeo Dynasty. The dish is priceless as an artifact for studying the development of the inlay technique.

Ewer, Vase, dish, and incense burners

Oil Bottle (front, left) Celadon with inlaid chrysanthemum design in underglaze copper-red decoration Goryeo Dynasty, 13th Century

Gourd-shaped Ewer Celadon with inlaid willow, waterfowl, plum blossom, and bamboo design Goryeo Dynasty, 12th-13th Century

The curved lines of this ewer are unique to Goryeo celadon. Its beauty is further enhanced by the romantic, tranquil waterscape, which was a favored design of the royalty and aristocracy of Goryeo.

Cylinder-shaped Bottle Celadon with willow tree design in underglaze iron-brown decoration Goryeo Dynasty, 12th Century

This bottle, with unique design and shape, is celebrated as a masterpiece of celadon ware with iron-brown underglaze. The neck and upper body resemble a maebyeong, yet the line remains slender, straight, and trim. It is cylindrical in shape, but the top edge is slightly tilted, creating a softened form that is more refined than a geometric cylinder.

Maebyeong, Vase Celadon with inlaid peony design in underglaze copper-red decoration Goryeo Dynasty, 12th - 13th Century

This Goryeo Dynasty celadon is made with patterns featuring a bronze picture technique. This is a technique that was rarely applied to a vase like this. You can see three peony flower patterns laid into the middle section of the Vase in black and white colors. The petals are in the bronze picture technique creating a gorgeous sight of the Vase.

Source: National Museum of Korea

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Getting To the National Museum of Korea

If you want to see the ceramics in person, given that you have the opportunity, you can visit the National Museum of Korea, which is located in the capital city--Seoul.

Please, go to the link above to find a detailed description of how to go to the museum. I hope this helps.

Thanks, and drop by again here.