Korean Ceramics
...gh-fired stoneware made through the reduction method. Natural ash-glaze was applied to these stone wares, initiating the experimentation with celadon and porcelain glazes which seen culminated in the manufacture of porcelain ware. This evolution from earthen ware to porcelains ware reflects the growing sophistication of man’s livelihood, with China having been the indisputable leader in its progress. It was during the 8th to early 10th centuries, under the Tang and Five Dynasties, that celadon and white porcelain were first developed at such kiln sites as Yuezhou, in Zhejiang Province, Southern China. Yuezhou technique and artistry were introduced to Korea during the 9th century, at which time potters of the Unified Silla Kingdom developed the technology to produce celdon and white porcelains. Thus, Korea and China emerged as the two earliest porcelains cultures with Japan attaining technology to produce porcelain in the 13th century. Though glazed stoneware, which occupies the stage just prior to that of porcelaneous ware in the evolution of ceramics, was produced from as early as the Three Kingdoms period, the ultimate genesis of porcelain during the second half of the 9th century. This advancement is indicative not only of the progress of ceramics technology, but also of the growing sophistication of the culture whose demand it sought to fulfill. As such, the emergence of porcelaneous ware was not a simultaneous occurrence throughout the Peninsula, but instead, was limiter to the southwestern coastal areas, with the remaining regions still arrested at the production of stoneware. The precipitant development of porcelain in the southwest was the result of a number of factors amongst which the region’s topography, consisting of rich farm land, extensive coast line, and numerous islets, was a primary force. Such geographical conditions provided the ideal background not only for the development of an affluent agricultural economy, but also for the establishment of an active maritime trade with China. Likewise important to the economic development of the region was the rise to power of such individuals of persons such as Chang-Po-go, who controlled much of the Far Eastern trade from his base on Wando island, off the coast of South Cholla Province. The ascendency of such privately run trade operations is indicative of a political situation in which the central government gradually lost control of the provincial government, with the local gentry garnering ever greater authority. Thus the southwest, more then any other region of Korea, enjoyed the economic stability and resultant cultural sophistication essential to the development of a porcelaneous society. Remains of kiln sites found in Hanghae, Kyonyggi, and North and South Cholla Provinces, a study of the pottery shards from these sites, as well as those from China and Japan, enabling one to derive a basic outline of the development of early celadons. Superior quality celadons with broad foot rims were produced from the second half of the 9th century until the first half of the 11th century, while the inferior quality celadons of yellowish-green color were produced from the 10th century until the first half of the 12th century. In contrast to the earlier Koryo Period when celadons were produced under patronage of the provincial gentry, celadon production in subsequent years fell under the supervision of the official government kilns. A great deal of influence from the kiln sites in northern and southern China is apparent with the previously dominating inclination towards Linru ware from Henam and Yaozhou ware from Shanxi, followed in the early 12th century by the prevalence of Ding and Cizhou styles from Hebei and Xiuwu styles from Henam. Such influence is reflected in the similarities in form, design, and firing technique, with the celadons gradually attaining a distinctly Koryo aesthetic, as evident in those wares produced at the official kilns in Kangjin County in South Cholla Provinces and Puan County in North Cholla Province. During the early Choson Period, relations with Ming China were strengthened and Confucianism replaced Buddhism because of the dominant ideology of the leading classes. While ceramic production degenerated during the founding years of the dynasty, the period comprising the reign of King Sejong brought about the reflourishing of ceramics, with the latter part of the 15th century ushering in the era of the renowned Choson white porcelain. Surrounded by rich forests, clear waters, and accessible water ways, and closely located to the capital Seoul as well as the Han River tributary. Kwangju was the ideal location for the establishment of the official kiln center. This newly founded ceramic complex, which was supervised by the Office of the Royal Kitchens, was held responsible for the production of all wares used by the royal court and central offices, while local kilns were established to fulfill the demands of the provinces. Ceramic production encountered considerable changes as a result of Hideyoshi’s Invasion of 1592 and 1597 and kilns throughout the peninsula were destroyed and artisans were taken to Japan by Force of Japan. Needless to say, the regeneration of the ceramic industry in the years following then invasions were exhausting, with the tradition of punch’ong ware altogether erased. However, white porcelains, whose form were relatively unaltered from those produced before the invasions, continued until the first half of the 17th century. Thus, the years prior to the mid-17th century constitute the early period in the development of Choson white porcelain. The succeeding middle period, which comprises roughly one hundred years between the mid-17th century and the mid-18th centuries, witnessed significant advancement in quality, forms, foot-shapes, and firing methods of white porcelain. Blue and white porcelain also grew distinctly more sophisticated at this time, with designs becoming more simplified. Another important change which occurred during this period was the reconstruction of the official kiln complex as a result of a new decree calling for the relocation of kiln sites every 10 years. Consequently, the official kiln site gradually shifted towards the main stream of the Han River where the access to the most optimal firewood and water supply was insured. By 1752, the 28th year of the reign of King yong-jo, the official kiln complex was formally established in Punwon-ri, with large scale production lasting until 1883. Thereafter, the official kilns were privatized. This term of a little over one century is classified as the later period in the development of white porcelain. White porcelains produced during the early period, with their fluid forms and generous volume, possess a dignity embodying the ideals of Confucian doctrine favored by the new dynasty. The pure, light bluish tones of the white porcelain of superior quality evoke a sense of comfort which can be associated with the dawn sunlight reflecting against the freshly fallen snow. These early white porcelains were undecorated, showing a purity and naivete which epitomize the elegance of plain white porcelain. Also produced during the early period was blue and white porcelain, the scarcity of the deep and vibrant cobalt during the reign of King Sjong, resulting in minimized production. The decorative schemes of the 15h and 16th centuries gradually shifted from those with subordinate patterns and painterly effect to those without subordinate patterns whose enlarged blank areas were filled with a simplified and painterly desi...