Korean Moon Jars

The history of a distinctive form of Korean pottery and how leading potters now pay homage to its principles. The moon jar, or ''dal-hang-ari'', as it is known in Korea, is an instantly recognisable form of white porcelain made by joining two hemispherical bowls together, with the seam left visible. This fascinating survey by Korean art expert Jinsoo Park delves into the development of the moon jar during the Joseon period (1392-1897) and explores how these traditions have been revived in modern practice. Park explains how moon-jar potters - Korean and non-Korean alike - are less attuned to details and are not worried by minor flaws acquired during the firing process. He also shows how the jar''s manufacture is less about technique than about underlying sentiments and aesthetics that combine spontaneity and simplicity, which are key to Korean concepts of beauty and align with Neo-Confucian philosophy. Accompanied by a photo essay of the construction process featuring a modern moon jar artist and reviewing current trends and expressions, this book is essential reading for any Eastern ceramics enthusiast.>

Auteur
Jinsoo Park studied for a BA in Korean painting at Dongguk University Korea from 1988 to 1992, then graduated from City University London with a MA in Museums & Galleries Management. After gaining work experience in the museum sector, he pursued a PhD in Museum Studies at UCL and has run a commercial gallery in Bloomsbury since 2015.

Texte du rabat

The first English-language book to explore the history of the Korean moon jar and how leading potters now pay homage to its principles.

Contenu

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND - Establishment of the royal kiln - The Im-jin war (1592-98) - The Qing invasion (1636-7) - Geumsa-ri period production (late 17th to early 18th century) - Bunwon-ri period (mid 18th to late 18th century) - Archaeological investigations - Local production after royal kilns close AESTHETICS AND THE NEO-CONFUCIAN TRADITION - Joseon scholars' culture and artistic pursuits - Neo-Confucian aesthetic values - A comparison with Japanese and Chinese ceramics CONTEMPORARY TRENDS - The moon jar comes to the west (Soestu Yanagi, Bernard Leach) - Modern development of the moon jar in Korea and elsewhere GALLERY OF MODERN ARTISTS Further Reading Acknowledgements