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Traditional Korean Ceramics: A Look by a Scientist. By Carolyn Kyongshin Koh Choo. Seoul: Designnanoom, 2016. 292 pp. (ISBN: 978-89-97595-38-9)
As suggested by its title, this lavishly illustrated book provides an overview of Korean ceramic production from the Neolithic period until the present day based on the rationale that "a deeper understanding of Korean ceramics can be achieved by delving into the scientific and technical aspects of ceramic culture within the context of artistic development" (15). After an introduction lamenting the lack of serious studies on Korean ceramics before the late twentieth century and acknowledging the pioneering work of Chung-Ang University's Department of Scientific Study on Cultural Properties, the work begins with an examination of the evolution of Korean ceramics, which is subdivided into three main sections: East Asian aesthetics, a history of ceramics by dynasty, and materials and firing processes.
While recognizing the interconnectedness of East Asian ceramics, the author points out that Korean ceramics "typically focused on a single, primary type of ware" (19), which developed sequentially as stoneware, celadon ware, buncheong ware and white ware, and white ware only. Furthermore, unlike China and Japan, Korea did not export its wares outside the East Asian region in the premodern era, and as a consequence its ceramics remained unknown and unappreciated in the West until the late nineteenth century. Korean ceramics are distinctive in so far as they are characterized by underglaze decorative methods such as painting and inlaying or the absence of decoration in favor of plain celadon or white glaze. At this point it is worth mentioning that this book is replete with high-quality photographs of examples of the ceramics that are discussed in the text as well as numerous helpful charts, diagrams, maps and even 'backscattered electron images' of ceramic shards that help to provide an unprecedentedly comprehensive and detailed account of the historical development of Korean ceramics.
In 'History of Ceramics by Dynasty' the author explains the key term togi as referring to both the unglazed earthenware characteristic of the Neolithic era and the stoneware characteristic of the Three Kingdoms and Unified Silla. This is followed by an examination of the emergence of porcelain technology with detailed information about the southwest coastal kiln sites and the main maritime trade routes...