In the history of ceramics, Korean celadon porcelain of the Goryeo Dynasty is renowned for three very special and unique features. The first of these is the fabrication of the alluring jade-blue color Koreans often called bisaek (‘kingfisher color’). Many art critics say that even with the advanced knowledge of color composition in modern science, it is impossible to recreate the color’s graceful tone, hue and elegance. Some go further, and declare that the color of Goryeo celadon porcelain is not just a color but is the most divine state that any color can reach in terms of aesthetic beauty. The second trait is the remarkable inlaying technique created by the Goryeo potters to embed wonderful and graceful designs onto the surface of the ceramics, while the third characteristic is the use of oxidized copper to decorate the surface of a ceramic piece. These achievements made great contributions to the development of the ceramic arts in Korea and the world. Some critics profoundly say that they also helped Goryeo celadon porcelain move one step closer to art’s divine function of “purifying human minds with the power of beauty.” A great poet of the Goryeo Dynasty, Yi Gyu-bo, said that Goryeo celadon is made “by borrowing the magical power of heaven,” while his Chinese contemporaries praised it with expressions such as, “number one under heaven” and “extreme beauty.” Even today, many connoisseurs reveal their admiration of Goryeo celadon works by calling them “blessings of heaven,” perfected by “God’s hands.” Celadon Vase Inlaid with Crane-and-Cloud Pattern Goryeo, 12th Century 42.1cm in height and 24.5cm in diameter at its widest point The voluminous form of this wonderful 12th century Goryeo porcelain piece came from the Meiping (or Maebyeong in Korean, literally meaning a ‘maehwa vase’) style from the Sung Dynasty in China. By the time this vase was made, however, Goryeo had already established its own style characterized by a more expansive form and elegantly-curved lines. An increasingly-important achievement of Goryeo porcelain ware in the world’s ceramics history is the introduction of the inlaying technique to the art of porcelain. In this vase, whose form, size and luxuriousness make it one of the greatest masterpieces of its kind, the pattern of white cranes and clouds is exquisitely inlaid into the surface of the jade-blue body. The Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) introduced the era of white-ceramics production, but it also meant the emergence of Confucian culture in Korea. The Joseon Dynasty, launched after it forcibly overthrew the Goryeo Dynasty, attempted a great ideological shift in Korean society by promoting a ‘pro-Confucian and anti-Buddhist policy.’ The development of white porcelain became an important part of the new dynasty’s efforts to lay a firm foundation for society to follow; the simple and austere white ceramics ware matched the Confucian ideals of a simple and austere lifestyle. Gradually white ceramics ware grew to symbolize the Joseon Dynasty that ruled the kingdom according to Confucian teachings. The white ceramics of the early Joseon Dynasty display an ascetic yet regal beauty, as if to reflect the artistic taste of Neo-Confucian scholars who sought after a strictly-disciplined mind and an immaterialist philosophy. Consequently, these pure-white ceramics without any decoration became mainstream, although some were adorned with delicate and fine literati ink painting in blue and/or oxidized iron. In the mid-Joseon period, white ceramic artisans in Korea began to produce some of the finest porcelain in terms of stark beauty, perfect balance and elegant form closely interwoven with profound philosophical thoughts about nature. By the time the Joseon Dynasty had moved into its later period, the porcelain had also evolved towards the ‘beauty of daily life,’ by focusing on practical usage with more decorativeness. By this time, the use of porcelain had spread into the life of the common people and the ceramics, themselves, had transformed into incredibly modest yet delightfully versatile household items. Blue and White Porcelain Bottle with Chrysanthemum and Bamboo Design Joseon, 18th Century 27.5cm in height and 12.8cm in diameter at its widest point. This blue and white porcelain bottle of the Joseon Dynasty displays an elegant octagonal body, sleek neck and a charming lip gently curled out. Its delightfully-simple form, slightly bluish-white color, and refined chrysanthemum and bamboo design painted in restrained blue makes this a wonderful example of blue-and-white ceramic ware of the mid- Joseon period. With its charmingly-small size, unassuming color combination, and serene form, this bottle is widely regarded as a masterpiece of its kind. One of the major production sites of ceramic ware made for the masses during the late Joseon Dynasty was the city of Mungyeong located in the southeastern part of the Korean peninsula. Here more than 200 kiln sites have been found and the tradition of porcelain-making is still strong. With easy accessibility to good-quality clay, clean water in nearby valleys and ample firewood, Mungyeong possesses the ideal natural environment in which to create such wonderful porcelain. The value of Mungyeong porcelain is highly regarded today because its potters adhere to long-established methods, kilns and tools, strongly refusing to use any modern equipment or materials. It is in Mungyeong where the Master Potter ( Sagijang ), Kim Jeong-ok, keeps the custom of Joseon white porcelain alive, a family heritage that dates back seven generations. View the master's works