Korean Ceramics: The Beauty of Natural Forms

The most well-known Korean ceramics are the celadon of the Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392) and the white porcelain of the ensuing Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910). The celadons of Goryeo, their grace and color tinged with feminine beauty, symbolize an artistocratic Buddhist culture, while the white porcelains from the Joseon are thought to typify a bureaucratic and scholarly Confucian society and are essentially masculine in tone, vigorous and orderly. Korea’s traditional ceramic wares serve as a barometer for understanding Korean culture in that they most accurately reflect Korean aesthetics and the Korean worldview.

• Robert Koehler, Author

  Robert Koehler, born and raised on Long Island, New York, has lived in Korea since 1997. He was the editor-in-chief of SEOUL, Seoul Selection’s monthly lifestyle and travel magazine, from 2006 to 2018. He spends his days exploring new neighborhoods, sitting in cafés, and shooting photographs.