Nigel Wood

Technological Parallels Between Chinese Yue Wares and Korean Celadons

The grey-green Yue wares of south China and the bluish-green Koryŏ celadons of South Korea are two of the most distinguished productions in the history of world ceramics. The development of Korean celadons owed a great deal to the Chinese Yue tradition in terms of forms and manufacturing methods; but Korean potters took the Yue style to new heights through their use of subtle bluish-green celadon glazes plus complex and ambitious designs. This detailed work has shown how closely related Chinese yue wares and Korean celadons are in their essential body compositions and also in their general production technologies. It has also helped to explain the vital differences that exist between the glazes used in China and Korea for celadon wares. The chapter is intended as a resume of this scientific work, beginning with a sketch of the historical and technical backgrounds to the two materials. Keywords: bluish-green Koryŏ; Chinese Yue tradition; grey-green Yue wares; Korean celadons; world ceramics