The Land of Symbols Korean Roof Tiles
Think of a country, where everything has a meaning,
Think of a country, where different kingdoms have reigned,
Think of a country, where art emerges as fire touches the soil,
Think of a country, where there is a peace within chaos …
The Chinese meaning of Joseon (morning/calm/sun) corresponds with the countryside of Bukchon Hanok Village very well. Bukchon Hanok Village vividly displays traditional Korean architecture, including the eye-catching Hanok (Korean Traditional House) with its ceramic roofs. The roofs reflect traditional Asian architecture characteristics, which are completely different from Western architecture. In this country where ceramics are regarded as part of then national cultural heritage, there are a myriad of enchanting examples.
Although China has rightfully been cited as the source of ceramic tradition, Korea has also played an important role in developing the tradition – in part due to techniques imported from China. The characteristics of Korean ceramics can be defined as naturalness and abstraction in the prehistoric age, simplicity and balance in the Three Kingdoms period, clarity in the Goryeo Dynasty, and both boldness and restraint in the Joseon Dynasty.
In Korea, which has a ceramic history dating back to 12,000 years, ceramics were created to be compatible with the natural environment and personal pleasure. Although Korean ceramics have been influenced by several other ceramic traditions, they developed their own style and cemented a strong tradition of Korean ceramics.
Bernard Leach,
