Korean Vases

Korean vases have long been a sought after and esteemed craft throughout the world for their beauty and unique aesthetic. Madame Pompadour, esteemed member of Louis XV’s court, had a Korean vase in her collection in the 18th century.

During the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910 A.D.), potters were encouraged to produce only objects with utilitarian applications, such as rice bowls and vessels for pickled foods, in accordance with the ascetic worldview of the time. Still, many ceramics share the formal characteristics of what one would commonly call a vase today, and the vase has emerged as a commonplace item after hundreds of years of developing the craft.

Korea continues to produce an assortment of vases using many of the same techniques and materials that have been practiced for hundreds of years. While potters today employ modern technologies in their production, their design aesthetic reflects the timeless beauty, predicated on simplicity and balance, that has defined Korean ceramics since time immemorial.

Quick Facts

• Vases and ceramic wares from the Joseon Dynasty are often warped and assymetrical, qualities that have made them highly regarded among modern day collectors
• During the Joseon Dynasty, vases made from white porcelain were often adorned with calligraphy, reflecting the newfound popularity of the art form at this time
• The addition of incised lines—typically depictions of fish and insects or geometric designs—were introduced to Korean vases during the Goryeo Dynasty