Lineages

One cannot help but be drawn into the shimmering depths of a celadon bowl, intricately molded with designs of boys playing among lotuses. This piece, dating back to the early 12th century, exemplifies the artistry of the Goryeo era, where each item was a testament to the skill and creativity of the potters. The museum’s collection, including stunning works such as the gourd-shaped ewer adorned with waterfowl and reeds, showcases not only the technical mastery but also the deep cultural significance embedded in these ceramics.

Buncheong: The Emergence of New Forms

As Korea transitioned to the Joseon dynasty (1392–1910), so too did its ceramics. The birth of buncheong ware—a term coined in the 1930s—marked a departure from the refined elegance of celadon. Emerging in the 15th and 16th centuries, buncheong displayed coarser bodies and more expressive motifs, reflecting the changing political and socioeconomic landscape.

Regional characteristics began to define this style, with distinct variations found across provinces. The kilns of Gyeongsang produced intricately inlaid designs, while those in Jeolla favored incised or sgraffito techniques, allowing for an exploration of artistic expression that diverged from the past. The intricate bottles with flowering plant motifs from the Joseon era, now part of The Met’s collection, stand as rare remnants of this period, each piece a whisper of the artisans’ intent and cultural significance.

Porcelain: The Crown Jewel of Joseon

In contrast to the earthy tones of buncheong, the refined white porcelain known as baekja became the hallmark of the Joseon dynasty. Initially produced in royal kilns, the accessibility of porcelain gradually spread throughout Korean society, transcending class boundaries. The elegance of the moon jar—a large, unadorned vessel—became emblematic of the aesthetic values of the time, marrying form and function in a singular vision.

As the exhibition unfolds, visitors are greeted by the serene presence of moon jars, their simple beauty a reminder of the values of humility and purity. In the 18th century, these jars were revered not only for their utilitarian purpose but also for their role in domestic life, embodying the Confucian ideals of simplicity and grace.

A Contemporary Dialogue

The Lineages exhibition does not merely linger in the past; it resonates with contemporary dialogues through the works of modern artists who have been inspired by traditional Korean art forms. Artists like Kim Whanki and Lee Seung-taek explore and reinterpret these historical legacies, challenging notions of value and cultural identity.

Kim Whanki’s 1954 painting Moon and Jar embodies a profound connection to the past while simultaneously embracing abstraction. The juxtaposition of the white jar against a vibrant blue background evokes a sense of nostalgia, as if the artist is reaching back through time to grasp the essence of Korean ceramics. His use of color and form becomes a bridge between generations, inviting viewers to engage with both the historical and the modern.

In contrast, Lee Seung-taek’s Tied White Porcelain disrupts traditional conventions by intertwining a ceramic "rope" with the jar, creating a tension between the expected and the unexpected. This piece challenges perceptions of functionality and artistry, prompting a dialogue about the evolution of materials and meanings in contemporary art.

The Legacy of Korean Ceramics

As visitors traverse through the Lineages exhibition, they witness not just the evolution of ceramics but also the profound cultural narratives that accompany each piece. The history of Korean art is woven into the fabric of its society, influenced by imperialism, colonization, and the quest for identity. The interplay between traditional techniques and modern interpretations reflects an ongoing dialogue about heritage, memory, and innovation.

Through the lens of ceramics, Lineages: Korean Art at The Met invites us to reflect on the enduring nature of art as a vessel for cultural expression. It serves as a reminder that each piece—whether a delicate celadon bowl or a contemporary sculptural form—carries with it a lineage of stories, emotions, and histories that transcend time. As we engage with these artworks, we are not merely spectators but participants in a continuum of creativity that bridges past, present, and future.

Lineages: Korean Art is a celebration of the enduring spirit of Korean artistry, inviting us to appreciate the intricate layers of history and culture embedded within each piece. It beckons us to explore, to question, and to find beauty in the dialogue between tradition and modernity, allowing us to connect with the rich heritage of a vibrant culture.

You can explore the "Lineages: Korean Art at The Met" exhibition here. This exhibition showcases both historic and contemporary Korean artworks, from ancient celadons to modern sculptures, and is on display at The Met Fifth Avenue, Gallery 233, until October 20, 2024.