Studio visit & buncheong ware

Such a beautiful set up for tea ceremony at a pottery studio in Icheon run by ceramist Mr. Jang who specializes in Buncheong ware. This was taken when we picked out the Buncheong teapots on the table.

As shared in our previous post, Buncheong (korean: 분청) ware is characterized by white-clay slip coating, finished with transparent glaze— a technique unique to Korea. The term Buncheong literally means “powdered celadon”. First made in the 15th century, Buncheong ware existed up until the 16th century by which time, the Joseon elite were using pure white porcelain. In contrast, the Japanese favored the imperfect stoneware style, some of which fall under the category of Buncheong ware. As such, Buncheong ware was known by various Japanese terms including kohiki (slip-dipped), hakeme (slip-brushed) and mishima (stamped and inlaid). Knowing such history lets us more fully appreciate each ceramic piece.