We are proud to present a special display celebrating Modern Masters, artists who redefined Korean ceramics by reviving and refining the techniques of the Joseon and Goryeo dynasties. Born in the early 20th century during Korea’s Colonial Period (1910-1945), Ji Sun-Tak, Han Ik-Hwan, Ahn Dong-Oh, and Kim Jeong-Ok dedicated their careers to mastering the elegance of celadon and the purity of white porcelain.
Ji Sun-tak (1912-1993), the 4th Intangible Cultural Asset of Gyeonggi Province, was a pivotal figure in the preservation and revival of Korean ceramics. Devoting his life to excellence in the field, he played a crucial role in the excavation of historic kilns and ceramic artifacts across Korea during the 1940s and 1950s. His extensive research, based on fragments of old ceramics and collected data, led him to experiment tirelessly with glazes, striving to recreate the distinctive colors of celadon and white porcelain from the past dynasties. In 1957, he founded Goryeo Ceramics in Icheon, where he dedicated himself to reviving traditional ceramic techniques and ensuring the survival of Korea’s rich pottery heritage. Thanks to his efforts, Icheon was transformed into a thriving center of ceramic art. A passionate mentor, he trained numerous disciples, who, after his passing in 1994, went on to establish workshops across Icheon, shaping the landscape of modern Korean ceramics.
Han Ik-Hwan (1921-2006), was a highly influential figure in the field of Korean ceramics, particularly known for his expertise in white porcelain. As the former head of the Korean Antique Ceramics Research Center, he played a crucial role in studying, preserving, and reviving traditional ceramic techniques. Han devoted his life to understanding the purity and elegance of Joseon dynasty white porcelain. He conducted extensive research on historical ceramic techniques, striving to reproduce the subtle yet sophisticated forms and glazes that defined traditional Korean pottery.
Ahn Dong-Oh (1919-1989), recognised as Gyeonggi Province’s 5th Intangible Cultural Asset, was a master in the field of modern Korean ceramics, particularly white porcelain. He graduated from the Faculty of Law at Waseda University in Japan, but after Korea’s liberation, he fully immersed himself in the world of traditional Korean ceramics in the late 1950s by working on the restoration and appraisal of antiques. Through this work, he took it upon himself to continue the legacy of Korean pottery.
Kim Jeong-Ok (b.1937) is the only National Intangible Cultural Asset (No. 105) in the field of ceramics. He is a seventh-generation master potter. His ancestors were royal court potters during the Joseon dynasty (1392–1897), producing porcelain for the king and the aristocracy. His grandfather, Kim Bi-An, was one of the finest royal potters, and his father, Kim Gyo-Su, continued the family’s craft.