분청 (bŭn-chǒng), a traditional form of early Joseon-era (1392–1897) ceramics that has become the defining style of Korean pottery around the world, nearly vanished from its homeland by the late 1500s. It found an “afterlife”—rediscovered and revered by Japan’s thriving tea culture, 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 reinterpreted with modern sensibilities. These are simple, everyday pieces meant to be used, not just seen: a bowl enhances the meal; a vase brings the flowers into focus. Each piece quietly supports what it holds, so together they are more memorable than alone.