There had been pottery-making in the Korean peninsula before the start of the Common Era. The development of porcelain crafts took place in the tenth century at the latest, yielding renowned works of Goryeo celadon from Gangjin and Buan Counties on the southwestern shore of the peninsula. Nurtured by the attention of the court of the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1368), Goryeo celadon in the early twelfth century shared similar qualities with Ru wares from the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) and, when sold to China, won the praise of 'the world's best'. After that, Korean kiln workers created skills of inlaying, introducing delicate patterns of multiple colors to the surface of a ceramic ware. As the Goryeo Dynasty declined towards its end, however, Korean ceramic culture shifted its focus to cheaper productions of pale-blue sandy wares. During the following Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897), the royals advocated white wares, celebrating their pristineness and warmth; the court also had exclusive possession of and access to the increasingly rare blue-and-white wares. This section of the exhibition demonstrates wares from the Museum's treasured collection of Goryeo celadon and Joseon blue-and-white wares, highlighting the shifting aesthetics of Korean ceramic culture through time.
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Squash-shaped pot with celadon glaze
Korea, Goryeo Dynasty (12th century) -
Bowl in celadon glaze with inlaid cloud and crane pattern
Korea, Goryeo Dynasty (the second half of 12th century to the first half of 13th century) -
Blue-and-white porcelain jar with dragon pattern
Korea, Choson Dynasty (Late 18th century-first half of 19th century)