buncheong

Buncheong is a type of Korean stoneware characterized by its distinctive decorative slip coating. Produced during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) and continuing into the early Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897), Buncheong wares were primarily used for utilitarian purposes. The name "Buncheong" itself derives from the Korean words "bun" meaning powder and "cheong" meaning blue, referring to the grayish-blue or greenish hue of the slip.

The production of Buncheong involves applying a white slip, made from finely ground kaolin clay, over a stoneware body. This slip serves as a canvas for various decorative techniques. Common methods include inlaying (sanggam), where the slip is applied and then incised with designs, into which more slip is rubbed; stamping (inwha), using carved stamps to impress patterns onto the slip; and incising (geumseok), where designs are scratched into the slip. Brush-applied slip (hwajeok) was also used, offering a freer, more painterly style.

Buncheong wares exhibit a wide range of forms, including bowls, jars, plates, and ewers. The decorative styles are diverse, ranging from abstract geometric patterns to more representational motifs like flowers, birds, and fish. While early Buncheong often displays a more refined aesthetic, later examples tend to be simpler and more robust, reflecting the shift towards mass production and a less elaborate taste during the Joseon period. Buncheong holds a significant place in Korean ceramic history, bridging the gap between the sophisticated celadon wares of the Goryeo and the white porcelain of the Joseon Dynasty.