Every work of art is a reproduction of nature created by God. Thus, it may be said that the ceramic works may be the closest one can get to God. Before God created the world, He produced four elements: earth, water, fire and wind. According to His plan, He interwove these four ingredients together, which then gave shape to the world, as we know it. The main material to make ceramic objects is earth. Earth, when mixed with water, becomes a form, a solid object, after it is molded by human hands. But it is fire, rather than human touch, that transforms the object into stone to become, for example, a bowl or a dish. Wind also plays a part in this change, as it is this element that forces the tongue of the fire dragon to move freely throughout the kiln, so that its hot breath can give the molded form immortality. This extraordinary metamorphosis from nature to art is unequivocally one of the most exquisite gifts from God. Ceramics change in form, style and features depending on the period when they were made, regions where they are found and the individual artisans who create them. Those who have knowledge of Far East Asian pottery and appreciate the beauty of the art are able to differentiate the traditional ceramic wares of Korea, China and Japan. Chinese pottery, for example, are generally larger and more colorful than their counterparts, whereas Japanese pottery is characterized by its sophisticated style and delicate designs carefully preset. Korean pottery, on the other hand, demonstrates a demure, natural beauty with the least artificiality. Art historians often point out that Japanese ceramics became renowned the world over after the invasion of Korea by Japan from 1592 to 1598. Koreans called this seven-year war, Imjin Waeran (‘The Japanese Invasion in the Imjin Year’); however, many historians poignantly describe it as, ‘The War of Ceramics.’ When Japanese forces finally left the Korean peninsula, they kidnapped several thousand potters of the Joseon Dynasty to bring home as war trophies. Ironically, these wonderfully-talented Joseon artisans became the cornerstone for Japan’s global reputation as the producer of the world’s finest ceramics. Some of the descendants of these earthenware artisans, including the ‘Six Families of lmnan Potters’ (referring to the seven-year war), are still thriving and are revered there as Japan’s top potters. The aesthetic value of art is largely subjective; therefore, when comparing two works of art, such as two examples of ceramics ware, it is often very difficult to decide which one is superior and the inferior. Having said that, many knowledgeable pottery collectors who appreciate fine ceramics do not hesitate to say that they admire Korean ceramic for their everlasting beauty. They affirm that to admire a Korean traditional pottery is like looking at a true masterpiece. Unlike the brash artificiality of some artworks that cause restlessness in the body and soreness in the forehead when they are looked upon for a long time, the exquisite natural beauty of Korean traditional pottery soothes the eye, calms the mind and uplifts the soul. Ceramic lovers often compare Japanese and Chinese ceramics with artificial objects while Korean pottery is associated with the natural world. Many of them know that one of the most significant aesthetic values of Korean traditional art, not just pottery, is the quest for the beauty of nature. It was this representation of nature created by God in Korean traditional ceramics that some of the world’s most renowned critics and artists, such as Levi-Strauss, Bernard Leach and Yanagi Muneyoshi, praised joyously. The delightful uniqueness of Korean earthenware, especially celadon porcelain, began to be known to the rest of the world during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). Although celadon porcelain was first introduced by China, Korean potters brought it to life using their own original techniques and infused it with natural, unpretentious magnificence. During the 14th and 15th centuries, potters in these two countries began to shift their attention from celadon porcelain to white ceramics, and in the following years these ceramic masterpieces spread throughout the world to Japan, Southeast Asia, Western Asia, the Mediterranean and Western Europe. Learn about art If you want to learn more about art like this look into an online art degree. These days the popularity of online education is growing every day so now is as good a time as ever look into learning online! You can become part of one of several programs that provide online degrees in just about any subject imaginable. So learn about online programs today and discover more about Korean pottery! View the master's works