Please enjoy representative pieces of Korean Celadon which I acquired during my visits to Korea: (1) A set of Hulu (bottle gourd) shaped wine bottles decorated with paintings of cranes and clouds with four small cups, (2) a Plum-bottle vase for plum flowers, and (3) Fat-bottom bottle decorated with crane and cloud motifs.
Celadon is a pale blue-green colour named after a type of ceramic that originated in China. Celadon, the colour, has undertones of gray and jade. Celadon is both a colour and a glaze that was developed and refined during the 10th and 11th centuries. Famous kilns such as the Longquan kiln in China’s Zhejiang province are renowned for celadon wares.
The unique grey or green celadon glaze results from iron oxide’s transformation from ferric to ferrous iron (Fe2O3 → FeO) during the firing process. Individual pieces in a single firing can significantly differ in colors due to slight variations in conditions in different kiln parts.
Celadon production later spread to other parts of East Asia, such as Japan and Korea, and Southeast Asian countries, such as Thailand. Eventually, European potteries produced some pieces, but it was never a significant element there. More delicate pieces of celadon are seen in porcelain. The color and glaze can also be produced in stoneware and earthenware. Most of the earlier Chinese Longquan celadon is on the border of stoneware and porcelain. The similarity of the color to jade, traditionally the most highly valued material in China, was a large part of its attraction.
For many centuries, celadon wares were highly regarded by the Chinese Imperial court before being replaced by the new blue and white porcelain wares during the Yuan dynasty.
In Korea, the celadons produced under the Goryeo Dynasty (918 –1392) are regarded as the classic wares of Korean porcelain. Goryeo celadons adorned the lives of the elite. The Goryeo Royal Court has invested heavily in celadon production and development. Their popularity continues until the present day in both North and South Korea.
Early Goryeo celadons emulated Chinese forms, but gradually, Korean artisans developed their aesthetic. Flowers and birds are common motifs, particularly lotuses, peonies, parrots, waterfowl, and cranes with floating clouds.
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Tan It Koon
Before retirement, Dr Tan It Koon was, among many appointments, Head of Clinical Biochemistry at SGH’s Dept of Pathology. He was the Deputy Chairman of the National Theatre Trust and Chairman for Grants and Scholarships of the Spore Cultural Foundation. He received the National Day Awards, PBM, and PPA, for his contribution to cultural and community development and excellence in Public Administration.
