Free exhibition showcases centuries of Korean ceramic craft

"Traditional techniques dominate the earlier sections. Pale celadon glazes, with their subtle tonal shifts, sit alongside buncheong wares marked by looser decoration. White porcelain pieces, often sparsely ornamented, highlight an approach in which the absence of decoration is as deliberate as its application."

"Some of the contemporary works are quite astonishing - especially one clay structure that, if I wasn't told otherwise, I would have assumed was a piece of coral, not crafted clay. Others, such as the pierced walls or the use of wood fires to alter the glazes show off the skills needed to make the objects on display."

"The exhibition has at times pushed the idea of what makes a pot into the realm of having maybe smoked something interesting, but it does raise an interesting point that while pots are made from something, it's the void within that defines them as vessels to hold something."

The Korean Cultural Centre in London features an exhibition of decorative ceramics from the Icheon region of South Korea. It includes works from 27 artisans, highlighting traditional techniques and contemporary innovations. The display showcases pale celadon glazes, buncheong wares, and white porcelain pieces. Some contemporary works challenge perceptions of ceramics, while others demonstrate advanced skills in crafting. The exhibition emphasizes the significance of Icheon in ceramics and offers a calming experience for visitors, with informative texts and soothing music. It runs until June 2026 and is free to visit.

Read at ianVisits