Jar with bird and flower design

Blue and White: Cobalt and Whiteware

“Blue and white” refers to a type of ceramic that was introduced during the early Joseon period (1390–1910). Whiteware painted with underglaze cobalt-blue decoration came to be commonly known as “blue and white.” Although cobalt was discovered in Korea around the mid-fifteenth century, many preferred the clear, light blue tones produced by cobalt imported from West Asia through China, as distinct from the color of Korean cobalt, which produced dark and uneven tones. At the beginning of its production, the surface designs of Korean blue-and-white ceramics resembled those of Chinese wares. However, Joseon ceramics soon applied surface designs and motifs that were unique to Korea. Written records reveal that court painters were sent to paint on white ceramics with cobalt to create wares for royal families or the court. From the seventeenth century onward, porcelains decorated with iron and copper oxide under the glaze were also popular.