Styles & Periods

• Artists
• Styles & Periods
• Associations
• Glossary
• Projects
• Purchase Guides

Korean Ceramics

The peninsula of North and South Korea has historically been the political and cultural conveyor between Japan and China, the two great powers surrounding it. Despite the intermingled language, history and people, Korea has native artistic traditions that influenced its neighbors. Perhaps the most important of these accomplishments is Korean porcelain and earthenware. In the 12th century, during the Koryo period, Korean potters began producing celadon wares. The distinctive bluish green glazes and incised designs captivated Chinese collectors, who declared celadon one of the ten wonders of the world. Another distinguishing feature of celadon is the form and shape of the vessels. Koryo pieces are considered masterpieces by merit of the marriage of form and function alone. The proximity of the Korean peninsula and the Nagasaki area of Japan encouraged great migrations of artisans to settle in Japan. With them they brought their remarkable stoneware technologies. The Japanese were smitten with the pottery of the Korean artists, and adopted much of it into their own growing traditions, culminating in the highly ritualized Tea Ceremony of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.

Feeling inspired? Try out these fine products…

From $23.99 The Art of Sumi-e by Search Press An informative text on a traditional form of Japanese art.	Up to 61% Off Free-Style Large Scale Brushes by Liquitex For your large painting projects	From $20.89 Pitt Monochrome Drawing Assortment by Faber-Castell Traditional set for observational drawing
Up to 47% Off Georgian Oil Colours by Daler-Rowney High pigment loads, brilliant colors!	At Least 29% Off Heavy Body Acrylics by Golden The original smooth, thick, Golden acrylic	At Least 34% Off Artist Watercolor by Holbein Extra Fine, Moist Transparent Watercolor