The 1,000-Year History of Celadon: Why Goryeo Pottery is World-Renowned
If you have ever stood in a museum and found yourself captivated by a vase glowing with a mysterious, jade-green hue, you have likely encountered Goryeo Celadon.
Known in Korea as Goryeo Cheongja, this ceramic art form is widely considered one of the greatest artistic achievements in human history. During the Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392), Korean artisans perfected a technique that even the Chinese imperial courts—the inventors of porcelain—envied.
But what makes these green vessels so valuable? Why do collectors and museums cherish them centuries later? The answer lies in a unique alchemy of color, patience, and a groundbreaking technique called Sanggam.
1. The "Secret Color" (Bisaek)
The first thing you notice about Goryeo Celadon is the color. It isn't quite green, and it isn't quite blue. It is a translucent, grey-green shade often compared to jade, the clear autumn sky, or the feathers of a kingfisher.
In the 12th century, a scholar from the Song Dynasty in China famously wrote, "The Chinese make the best teas, papers, and inks, but the secret color (Bisaek) of Goryeo is the first under heaven."
Achieving this color is incredibly difficult. It requires a specific iron-rich clay and glaze, fired at precise temperatures (around 1,250°C) in a kiln with reduced oxygen. If the temperature is off by even a few degrees, the color turns brown or dull. Every perfect piece of Celadon you see at Artinko represents a triumph over the elements.
2. The Innovation of Sanggam (Inlay Technique)
While the color is beautiful, the true genius of Korean Celadon lies in the Sanggam technique.
Before the Goryeo artisans, patterns on ceramics were usually painted on the surface. The Korean masters dared to do something different: they carved the clay.
The Sanggam Process:
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Carving: The artisan carves a design (often cranes, clouds, or chrysanthemums) directly into the semi-dried clay body.
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Filling: These grooves are filled with white or red slip (liquid clay).
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Shaving: The excess slip is shaved off, leaving the color only inside the carved grooves.
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Firing: During firing, the white slip stays white, and the red slip turns black.
This creates a sharp, vivid contrast that never fades because the design is part of the vessel, not just painted on top. It is a labor-intensive process where a single mistake ruins the entire pot.
3. Owning a Piece of History
For centuries, the secrets of Goryeo Celadon were lost after the fall of the dynasty, only to be painstakingly revived by modern master artisans who dedicate their lives to recovering these ancient methods.
When you bring a piece of Celadon into your home, you aren't just buying a vase. You are displaying a 1,000-year-old legacy of resilience and refinement.
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It is a conversation starter: The unique inlay technique is a story in itself.
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It is timeless: The subtle jade color complements both traditional wooden furniture and sleek, modern white interiors.
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It symbolizes longevity: The frequent motif of cranes and pine trees represents long life and good fortune.
Experience the Legacy
At Artinko, we curate pieces that honor this incredible tradition. Whether it is a Master Artisan's large vase or a delicate tea set, each item carries the spirit of the Goryeo legacy.
