Korean ceramic
The Korean people have their origins in the Altai region of southern Siberia, and until the arrival of Buddhism between the 4th and 6th centuries, practised a shamanistic religion that reflected their Siberian roots. With Buddhism came the practice of cremation requiring the production of burial urns.
The development of Korean ceramics is broadly similar to that of Chinese pottery, progressing to stoneware then to greenware (celadons) and finally to porcelain, both monochrome and blue and white. Korean celadons include some of the finest and most imaginative ceramic objects ever made. Potters of the Goryeo period (918–1392) readily mastered all the decorative techniques pioneered by the Chinese, including moulding, carving and incising.
Towards the end of the Joseon dynasty (1392–1897) a specifically Korean style of blue and white ceramics grew in popularity. The Joseon vessels were swiftly painted in light cobalt blue with bold motifs. Bird and animal motifs were particularly popular, especially dragons, phoenixes, tortoises and tigers. Vases of the size and type on display would have been used at court ceremonies for flowers, or to hold wine or water.
