moon jar
{{Short description|Traditional Korean white porcelain jar}}
{{infobox Korean name
|img=백자 달항아리(309호).jpg
|caption=Moon jar, Joseon white porcelain (National Treasure No. 309)
|hangul=달항아리; 백자대호
|hanja=달缸아리; 白磁大壺
|rr=dal hangari; baekja daeho
|mr=tal hangari; paekcha taeho
}}
Moon jar is a type of traditional Korean white porcelain which was made during the Joseon dynasty (1392–1910).{{cite web |last1=Lee |first1=Soyoung |author-link=Lee Soyoung |title=In Pursuit of White: Porcelain in the Joseon Dynasty |url=https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/chpo/hd_chpo.htm |access-date=19 November 2017 |website=Heilbrunn Timeline |publisher=Metropolitan Museum of Art}} The Joseon white porcelain was adopted as imperial ware in the fifteenth century. Moon jars first appeared in the late seventeenth century and remained popular until the mid-eighteenth century. However, they were not nicknamed “moon jars” until the 1950s.{{Cite web |title=Joseon White Porcelain Moon Jars {{!}} Curator's Picks |url=https://www.museum.go.kr/site/eng/archive/united/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.museum.go.kr%2Fsite%2Feng%2Farchive%2Funited%2F14961 |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=NATIONAL MUSEUM OF KOREA}} The name comes from its shape and milky color of the glaze to resemble the coloration of the moon. This type of vessel is unique to the Joseon Dynasty and were never produced in China or Japan.
There are approximately 20 surviving moon jars more than 40 cm (15.75 inches) tall, and of these 3 are Korea's national treasures.{{Cite web |date=2023-10-25 |title=Korean moon jar shatters auction house record, selling for $2.5M |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2023-10-25/culture/artsDesign/Korean-moon-jar-shatters-auction-house-record-selling-for-25M/1898391 |access-date=2024-06-04 |website=koreajoongangdaily.joins.com |language=en}} Several moon jars have sold at auction for in excess of $US1 million, with one selling for $US4.5 million in March 2023.{{Cite web |last=Choi |first=Christy |date=2023-09-15 |title=Why these imperfect Korean ‘moon jars’ sell for millions |url=https://www.cnn.com/style/korean-moon-jar-millions-auction-south-korea/index.html |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=CNN |language=en}} At a March 2025 auction a moon jar fetched $US 2.8 million.{{Cite web |last=Murakami |first=Takaaki |title=AN IMPORTANT WHITE PORCELAIN MOON JAR JOSEON DYNASTY (18TH CENTURY) |url=https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6525688 |url-status=live |website=Christie's}}
Moon jars often consists of two hemispherical halves that are thrown separately and then joined in the middle.{{cite web | url=http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1979.413.1/ | title=Moon jar | Korea | Joseon dynasty (1392–1910) }} The slightly uneven natural shape added to its appeal during the Joseon dynasty. Usually jars are made in a stable shape due to their wide bottom and smaller mouth, but moon jar has a wider mouth than the diameter of the bottom, causing instability, making it feel like the jar is floating in air.{{Cite web|title=백자 달항아리|url=https://terms.naver.com/entry.naver?cid=58141&docId=3340209&categoryId=58141|access-date=2021-04-22|website=terms.naver.com|language=ko}}
It has inspired many artists such as Kim Whanki and Bernard Leach.{{cite web|url=https://www.britishmuseum.org/about_us/news_and_press/press_releases/2007/the_korean_moon_jar.aspx|title=The Korean Moon Jar |publisher=British Museum |access-date=2016-12-29 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.artseoul.net/artnews/news06/e0717koobohnchang.html |title=White Moons Rise on Chosun Porcelains |publisher=artseoul.net |author=Seo Dong-shin |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217061109/http://www.artseoul.net/artnews/news06/e0717koobohnchang.html|archivedate=2012-02-17}}{{cite web|url=http://www.doopedia.co.kr/doopedia/master/master.do?_method=view&MAS_IDX=101013000699221 |script-title=ko:백자달항아리 |publisher=Doosan Encyclopedia |language=Korean|access-date=2016-12-29}}{{cite news|url=http://www.hani.co.kr/kisa/section-005001000/2005/08/005001000200508171839560.html |script-title=ko:묵향속의 우리 문화유산 - (29) 백자 달 항아리 |publisher=The Hankyoreh |author=Noh Hyeong-seok (노형석) |date=2005-08-17 |language=Korean|access-date=2016-12-29}}
Moon jars have been described as being big, sturdy, rich, and proud with a slightly waddling and distorted appearance that is attractive.{{Cite web |last=Park |first=Hyun-joo |date=2014-09-14 |title="I dedicate my whole heart to earth and wood fire" 'Moon Jar' artist Kang Min-soo, solo exhibition at Nohwarang [박현주의 아트톡]흙과 장작불에 온 마음을 바쳐요 '달항아리' 작가 강민수, 노화랑서 개인전 |url=https://www.ajunews.com/view/20140914122721189 |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=아주경제 |language=ko}} Because of this slight irregularity, most moon jars assume the shape of a waning moon, rather than a full moon. However, this grants them the “symmetry of asymmetry,” causing them to look different when viewed from various angles.{{Cite web |title=White porcelain moon jars (article) {{!}} Korea |url=https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/art-asia/korea-japan/joseon-dynasty/a/white-porcelain-moon-jar |access-date=2024-05-08 |website=Khan Academy |language=en}}
Recent production and new styles
Since the 1950's, when production restarted in South Korea, about 150 Korean ceramists have made moon jars.{{Cite web |last=Do 선임기자 |first=Jae-gi 도재기 |date=2018-02-23 |title=Moon jar with full moon (bottom) [도재기의 천년향기](3) 보름달 품은 달항아리(하) |url=https://m.khan.co.kr/culture/culture-general/article/201802231701005#c2b |access-date=2024-05-08 |website=경향신문 |language=ko}} Some critics contend the term moon jar can only be applied to plain white jars with no adornment that are made in a wood-fired kiln. However, the usage of the term is more fluid and a large variety of moon jars have been produced. These fall into the following categories:
= Traditional moon jars =
Traditional moon jars are fired within a wood-fired kiln that helps add character to an otherwise plain white vessel. Ceramist Kang Min-soo (b. 1971) calls this the ‘aesthetics of fire.’{{Cite web |date=2014-09-14 |title="I dedicate my whole heart to earth and wood fire" 'Moon Jar' artist Kang Min-soo, solo exhibition at Nohwarang [박현주의 아트톡]흙과 장작불에 온 마음을 바쳐요 '달항아리' 작가 강민수, 노화랑서 개인전 |url=https://www.ajunews.com/view/20140914122721189 |access-date=2024-05-08 |website=아주경제 |language=ko}} Examples can be seen at:[https://www.ajunews.com/view/20140914122721189][https://m.khan.co.kr/article/202309181153001]
= Modern moon jars =
Modern ceramic production equipment, and clays that were not available during the Joseon period, have enabled ceramists to make pure white, symmetrical moon jars. Some of these are very large. Shin Sang-ho, the first ceramist to make this style within a gas-fired kiln, imported his kiln to South Korea after he worked in Japan.{{Cite web |last=Ha |first=Joo-hee |date=2022-11-29 |title=Shin Sang-ho, a master representing Korean ceramics "I lived like a crazy person, loving only pottery."한국 도예를 대표하는 거장 신상호 |url=http://monthly.chosun.com/client/news/viw.asp?ctcd=E&nNewsNumb=202212100043 |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=monthly.chosun.com |language=ko}} See photo for one example, additional examples at [https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2018/12/05/features/Sharing-the-beauty-of-Koreas-moon-jar/3056524.html]
= Blue and white moon jars =
This style features traditional, cobalt blue, Joseon-period motifs. Blue and white pottery was popular when moon jars were first made.{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Authors: Soyoung |title=In Pursuit of White: Porcelain in the Joseon Dynasty, 1392–1910 {{!}} Essay {{!}} The Metropolitan Museum of Art {{!}} Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History |url=https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/chpo/hd_chpo.htm |access-date=2024-05-09 |website=The Met’s Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History |language=en}} Dragons, and the four gentlemen are common motifs. Ronald Reagan received a blue and white moon jar that was made by Shin and presented by Korean President Chun Doo-hwan.{{Cite web |title=Gifts to the President |url=https://www.reaganlibrary.gov/public/2022-11/40-654-12019867-GI002-007-016-2022.pdf |website=Ronald Reagan Presidential Library}} It was painted by a Korean artist named Chang Woosung (b. 1912 d. 2005).{{Cite web |title=Chang WooSung Korean 1912 - 2005 |url=https://www.mutualart.com/Artist/Chang-WooSung/B603A10E7D385620 |website=Mutual Art}} Examples can be seen at:[https://postfiles.pstatic.net/MjAxNzA5MjhfODcg/MDAxNTA2NTg4NDU4Njc3.yT9ja1iZ9-htixrKlbzc6wS8ulyfwHJHDut2IjDUs0Ug.S1P3_Q-X22SIjPg_ypZbA-4cJP5UVObVDGkTNoiFUjYg.JPEG.chan4343/171.jpg?type=w3][https://www.reaganlibrary.gov/public/2022-11/40-654-12019867-GI002-007-016-2022.pdf]
= Buncheong moon jars =
Buncheong ware was also popular during the Joseon period. This style combines the moon jar shape and this traditional design. Examples can be seen at [http://www.newsmaker.or.kr/news/quickViewArticleView.html?idxno=138089]
= Celadon moon jars =
File:Double-openwork celadon moon jar with chrysanthemums.jpg. ]]
Celadon ware was popular during Korea's earlier Goryeo period (918-1392).
- Plain celadon moon jars: The main difference between this style and Joseon period moon jar is how the kiln is operated. The celadon color appears in a reducing kiln{{Cite web |title=Celadon, ceramics art techniques - Traditional Japanese art - Gallery Japan |url=https://www.galleryjapan.com/locale/en_US/technique/ceramics/10218/#:~:text=Celadon%20(seiji)%20is%20a%20light,glaze%20to%20turn%20bluish-green. |access-date=2024-05-09 |website=www.galleryjapan.com}} held at temperature longer.{{Cite web |last=Hae-yeon |first=Kim |date=2023-05-01 |title=[Stories of Artifacts] Beauty meets function: Goryeo celadon |url=https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20230501000506 |access-date=2024-05-09 |website=The Korea Herald |language=en}} The blue moon jar made by Kim Se-yong, that was exhibited in New York in 2023, was made in a wood-fired kiln.{{Cite web |last=Ahn |first=Ji-young |date=2023-09-01 |title=
- Sanggam moon jars: This style employs a uniquely Korean style that inlays patterns into Goryeo wares. Traditional motifs include chrysanthemums and clouds and cranes. Modern motifs that have a basis in tradition include the 1000 crane moon jar
- Double-openwork celadon moon jars: consist of two vessels, an inner vase that provides structural support and an outer vase that is frequently carved with chrysanthemums, cranes, and dragons in the case of Yu Geun-Hyeong.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fq8eBghuOLA |title=Koryo Celadon (Korean Ceramics) |language=en |access-date=2024-05-09 |via=www.youtube.com}} Depending on the detail, a single reticulated moon jar of this style can take a month to make.{{Cite web |title=A potter who puts his soul into celadon 청자에 혼을 심는 도공 |url=https://v.daum.net/v/M0JtgENFlD |access-date=2024-05-09 |website=언론사 뷰}} Examples can be seen at:[https://www.kceramicmaster.com/?pgid=jbhzmqgn-309daef4-4eca-4055-a5a9-b11d137a9a6c]
= Bottle moon jars =
According to the definition of a jar, there has to be a wide opening at the top. This opening introduces asymmetry into a moon jar. Some ceramists reduce the asymmetry by closing the top of the vessel to form a small opening with a narrow neck. After the top of the vessel has been closed in this manner, a vessel should be called a bottle vase. However, some ceramists call this style a moon jar.{{Cite web |title=Why Korea's moon jar is so iconic |url=https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20230510-the-ancient-symbol-that-defines-korea |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |date=2020-05-21 |title=West Hugh - St Ives Ceramics |url=https://st-ives-ceramics.co.uk/west-hugh/ |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=st-ives-ceramics.co.uk |language=en-GB}} Examples can be seen at: [https://hinykorea.com/townnews/230901ny3/]
= Contemporary moon jars =
Some artists are producing moon jars featuring colors and motifs that have no basis in traditional Korean ceramics. Examples can be seen at:[https://www.sedaily.com/NewsView/26DISMNQU4/GH0204][https://www.ikbc.co.kr/article/view/kbc202405010027] Italian architect Ico Migliore, vertically slices the moon jar shape and adds a red pattern featuring human and arrow figures.{{Cite web |last=Choi |first=Seung-hee |title=A glimpse into the vitality of a newly interpreted ‘moon jar’ |url=https://www.kookje.co.kr/news2011/asp/newsbody.asp?code=0500&key=20230621.22013006306 |website=Kookje News}}
A few artists have blended other types of traditional Korean art. Son Dae-hyeon surfaces his moon jars with mother of pearl and lacquer using a technique called najeonchilgi.[http://www.ikoreanspirit.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=67670] Artist Jian Ryu's mother of pearl jar was selected by the Korean government to Joe Biden,{{Cite web |date=2023-04-27 |title=바이든 여사 '뷰티풀' 극찬 달항아리 롯데호텔서 볼 수 있다 |url=https://www.sedaily.com/NewsView/29OGSP676D/GD0201 |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=서울경제 |language=ko}} and can be see at:[https://www.hankyung.com/article/2023051192201] Ryu's largest mother of pearl moon jar is 111 cm (43.7 in) in diameter.
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{Commons category-inline|Moon jars}}
- [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=426rj6thJW0 YouTube Video: Video Kim Se-yong cutting vessel in 1/2, making double-openwork, and firing moon jars in wood-fired kiln]
{{Korean ceramics}}
{{Korea-stub}}
{{Ceramics-stub}}