Reviving a Joseon stoneware tradition
Song Gi-jin, 45, is a potter who has kept the fires burning in this green tea capital by producing the aforementioned bowls for 17 years. The Boseong Deombeongyi is a unique type of pottery which originated as a category of Buncheong ware, which is traditional Korean stoneware from the Joseon Dynasty. Due to the precise technique necessary in order to produce these bowls, Song rarely leaves his kilns, despite the cold weather, in order to produce the best results.
These bowls are also referred to as Hojo Kohiki in Japan. Hojo literally translates to Boseong, while the word Kohiki means tea bowls. Song first discovered in 2000 that this traditional Japanese pottery was actually of Korean descent, and was told by a tea expert in Boseong that the original Korean title had been long lost. The potter thus decided to call it the Boseong Deombeongyi, and the tradition has been re-kindled ever since.
The technique of producing this pottery is also practiced in the surrounding areas of Goheung County and Jangheung County, while the potters take pride in the incredibly unique process required to create such wares. The technique was first conceived by Joseon-era Korean potters, and is a process unique to the country as it is nowhere to be found even in China, the birthplace of traditional pottery.
Recently, Song has been concentrating on producing the moon jar, a traditional Korean porcelain jar that contains an opening that is larger than its base, utilizing the Boseong Deombeongyi stoneware technique.
“The moon jar has everything demanded by the Joseon Sabal (Korean Porcelain Bowl) tradition,” said Song.
The Joseon Sabal provides implications of nature, while the beauty of the art lies in its simplicity without seeming artificial. The bowls are said to provide comfort to the souls of those who witness its beauty, and its magnificence will remain for decades or even a century later.
Song dreams of starting a business dedicated to traditional pottery. After setting up an appropriately-sized workshop, the potter said he would like to invite 7-10 master craftsman of different expertise in order to produce the best pottery.
From Dec. 16 to Jan. 7, the potter is introducing the “Original Korean Pottery Technique, Presentation of Boseong Deombeongyi” in Beijing. Song will present the fruits of his labor at Whitebox gallery in Beijing’s 798 Art District, and will bring his Boseong Deombeongyi moon jar, as well as various tea bowls, tea cups, and over 100 tea items.
BY PARK SANG-MOON [moonpark@joongang.co.kr]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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