Barrel-shaped jar

Joseon Whiteware: Simple and Elegant

From the beginning of the new dynasty, Joseon rulers and scholar-officials, who were steeped in Confucianism, preferred simple white porcelains over the celadons that had been favored during the Goryeo dynasty (918–1392). The Joseon officials sought to distance themselves from the preceding era, and the color white symbolized purity, honor, and modesty—all virtues that exemplified the new dynasty. King Sejong (ruled 1418–1450) is known to have used plain white porcelain vessels and encouraged others to follow his practice.

In contrast to the previous dynasty, during which celadon kilns were mostly located on coastal cities for sea transportation, the Joseon court established royal kilns in Gwangju in Gyeonggi province near the capital, Hanyang (today’s Seoul). In this display case, plain whiteware without any surface decorations show the simple yet balanced forms of Joseon whiteware. Such vessels were used for Confucian rituals or as household items.