Buncheong is a type of Korean ceramics which had been invented in the transition period from Goryeo dynasty to Joseon dynasty. The word ‘Buncheong’ is short for
bunjang-hoecheong*, which is the Korean word for ‘decorated celadon’. Art historian Ko Yuseop** coined this term referring to the type of Korean ceramics characterized by grayish-green color on the body with white-clay slip overlay. Various decorations of applying w
hite slip make buncheong style unique. Buncheong is basically a continuation of celadon considering the type of clay and glaze used, but the clay body for Buncheong has a lower iron content than celadon clay, making Buncheong ware brighter in color. Variations of decorating methods and different content of clay from region to region contribute to the diversity of Buncheong.
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*Bunjang means to decorate and hoecheong means grayish celadon. Each word’s meanings are as follows : bun 紛-powder, face powder(cosmetics), pigment, coloring, to apply make-up, white; jang 粧-to decorate, to apply make-up, to dress up, to disguise; hoe 灰 - ash, lime, dust, grey(color), grayish; cheong 靑 - blue, green.
** Ko Yuseop (1905-1944), also known by his pen name Uhyeon, was the first Korean to establish a modern academic framework for Korean art and aesthetics during the Japanese colonial occupation.