From 'ugly pot' series to moon jars, Korean ceramics to go on display in Sydney

Oh Gyu-young's “Inlaid Coffee Cup Set” / Courtesy of the Korea Ceramic Foundation

By Park Han-sol

The history of Korean ceramics stretches all the way back to 8,000 B.C., the Neolithic period, marked by the emergence of “yunggimun” pottery, or earthenware decorated with raised patterns and geometric incisions.

Over thousands of years, the country's pottery has come to develop various distinct styles, birthing recognizable wares from Goryeo-era (918-1392) celadon to Joseon-era (1392-1910) white porcelain and moon jars.

Among such craftwork that has been produced using traditional techniques, handed down over generations with a contemporary twist, 101 pieces will travel to Sydney, Australia, next month to showcase both the artistry and practicality of Korean ceramics in everyday settings.

Titled, “Day By Day: Korean Ceramics in Daily Life,” the exhibition is scheduled to run from Sept. 2 to Nov. 4 at the Korean Cultural Centre Australia's gallery.

Held in partnership with the Korea Ceramic Foundation (KOCEF), the upcoming show aims to feature an extensive selection of handmade vessels, plates, cups and bowls created by 17 emerging and established Korean artisans.

Kim Gyu-tae's “Ugly Pot” series / Courtesy of Korea Ceramic Foundation

At the exhibition, Kim Gyu-tae will present his “Ugly Pot” series, inspired by the shapes and patterns of ancient earthenware and grayish-blue powdered celadon called “buncheong.”

Shin Kyung-wook's plate, dessert bowl, mug and wine glass, which are on display, have added a modern touch to the Goryeo-era marbling technique called “yeonrimun,” which uses a combination of differently colored clay bodies to produce shimmering agateware.

Other notable pieces that will fill the gallery include a peony-shaped brooch made with white porcelain and mother-of-pearl inlay decoration; a dish with a stand created via a traditional “onggi” (Korean earthenware) technique; a clay tea cup set patterned and colored with lacquer and silver and a moon jar series reflecting present-day aesthetic tastes.

An additional event introducing a variety of Korean dishes that pair well with the showcased handicrafts will accompany the show in order to present the intricate connection between the country's ceramics and dietary culture to audiences.

Moreover, during the Sydney Craft Week 2022, which will be hosted by the Australian Design Centre from Oct. 7 to 16, there will be late-night showings of the exhibition and ceramic workshops catering to local pottery enthusiasts.

“Through the show, 'Day By Day,' our organization intends to bring to the fore the essence of Korean ceramics, which can resonate with the local audience,” KOCEF President Seo Heung-sik said in a statement.

“We hope that the country's everyday wares endowed with simple beauty can enter the daily lives of Australian people as well,” he added.