Chapter 1
The Moon Jar: Korea's perfectly imperfect icon
Chapter 2
Kwon Jin Kyu: Terracotta, lacquer, and spiritual realism
Chapter 3
Kim Yun Shin: Chainsaws, wood, and the unity of opposites
Chapter 4
Shin Sang Ho: Clay paintings and architectural dreams
YOUR GOAL
Master of Unearthing the soul of Korean sculpture and ceramics
Ch 1 · The Moon Jar: Korea's perfectly imperfect icon
매운김치 The Joseon Moon Jar
Two halves meet, two halves meet / Beautifully lopsided, perfectly sweet.
매운김치 Korean Moon Jar
They used to call it just a giant white jar, But we see a glowing moon right where we are.
매운김치 Heavy clay prevented throwing jars over forty centimeters in one piece, leaving a visible waist seam under the white glaze.
매운김치 The minimalist ceramic vessel represents the spiritual purity of Korean Neo-Confucianism.
Fun Fact
Moon Jar stains: The mysterious grey and brown spots on antique Moon Jars are actually residues of oils or liquids stored inside them centuries ago, now permanently baked into the clay.
Glossary
moon jar (noun)
A large, white porcelain vessel with a bulbous, spherical shape, traditionally crafted in Korea. First made during the Joseon dynasty, these vessels were constructed by joining two separate clay hemispheres.
A large, white porcelain vessel with a bulbous, spherical shape, traditionally crafted in Korea. First made during the Joseon dynasty, these vessels were constructed by joining two separate clay hemispheres.
Quiz
What is the minimum height that a Korean porcelain jar must reach to be officially classified as a Moon Jar?
Quiz
Why are traditional Joseon Dynasty Moon Jars shaped with a noticeable seam around their middle?
Quiz
What was the term for the virtuous, humble scholars of the Joseon Dynasty who championed the modest aesthetics of white porcelain?
Quiz
Which dominant philosophical ideology in Joseon Dynasty Korea favored the unadorned, simple white aesthetic of the Moon Jar?
Quiz
Approximately how many authentic, historic Moon Jars from the Joseon Dynasty are estimated to exist worldwide today?
Quiz
In which Korean province were the official royal kilns that produced the finest Joseon Moon Jars located?
Quiz
Which famous 20th-century Korean modern painter is credited with popularizing the poetic term 'Moon Jar' in his writings and art?