Pottery in South Korea

Pottery in South Korea

If you are thinking of a holiday in South Korea then you will surely not be able to stay away from its fascinating culture. Being the powerhouse of art and craft, it simply excels in the art of crafting earthenware. The Use of Pottery in South Korea dates back to the Stone Age. What started as a basic necessity became a major art form over the years and is practiced in South Korea with great diligence.

Most of the oriental nations have been known to make fine earthenware. However among them Pottery in South Korea undoubtedly stands out because of its novelty. Right from its early times the nation has produced some exotic masterpieces and has covered every aspect of pottery which includes clayware, use of jade, white ware, stoneware and many other forms. The Korean Potters are the wizards of pottery in South Korea and considered to have magic in the fingers. Even in 1590 when Korea was occupied by Japan, the Japanese considered the potters of Korea as treasure and took many of them home.

Types of Pottery in Korea

Earthenware in South Korea: Korean Earthenware developed during the prehistoric period and reached its prime during the 'Silla' and 'Kaya' age of Korea. Since it had more use as vessels at this time, the patterns were usually formal. However later on ornamentation became a part of South Korean Pottery. Distinct patterns in the pots were marked by the use of comical expressions and abstract art.

Celadon in South Korea: This signifies the use of Jade for Pottery Making in South Korea. This form of pottery was adapted from China. With the introduction of Zen Buddhism in the country, Chinese tea cups made of jade began to be brought here. Then gradually by the 10th century Korea began to produce its own Jade utensils. Patters of clouds, cranes, lotus flowers and chrysanthemums usually adorned these elegantly attractive green jars and bowls.

Stoneware in South Korea: Known as "Punch'ong" in the country, it is created in an interesting way. The stoneware is first painted by a grayish-green varnish followed by a white layer. Pottery in South Korea actually specializes in stoneware and is practiced as a major form of art.

Whiteware in South Korea: Whiteware is basically the use of white porcelain. When it was introduced in Korea in the 14th century, this stunning category of pottery acted as substitutes for silver utensils. The beauty of porcelain Pottery lay in its simplicity and was marked by the motifs of dragons, peonies, pine or plum trees, flying cranes and many others.

Arts and Crafts in South Korea are also characterized by some regional from of Korean Pottery like 'Ong-gi' and 'Da-wan'. These are common to every South Korean household.

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