분청 (bŭn-chǒng), a traditional form of early Joseon dynasty (1392 – 1910) ceramics, which has become the defining style of Korean pottery around the world, nearly vanished from its homeland by the 16th century replaced by the rise in porcelain’s popularity. It found an “afterlife”— rediscovered and revered by a thriving tea culture in Japan, produced by Korean artisans forcibly displaced during the Pottery Wars. Their tradition, reborn and transformed in Japanese kilns and cherished around the world, stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of this art form.
KRANE draws from this lineage, exploring the spirit of Korean pottery in a contemporary context. Traditional forms and techniques are engaged with modern sensibilities. These are simple, everyday pieces meant to be used, not just seen: A bowl makes a meal better. A vase lets flowers stand out. Each piece quietly supports what it holds, so together they are more memorable than alone.
References:
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National Museum of Korea, Journal of Korean Art & Archaeology; confirmed by Britannica, "Joseon dynasty" (1392–1910)
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Metropolitan Museum of Art, Korean Buncheong Ceramics from Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art
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Korean Buncheong Ceramics from Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art
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Art Institute of Chicago, “Tradition as Inspiration: Contemporary Korean Ceramics”