Polychrome and Monochrome Porcelain: The emergence and development of new type of colored white porcelain in late Chosŏn

Abstract

Two novel types of colored porcelain appeared in late Chosŏn: polychrome porcelain that was decorated with two or more colors, and monochrome porcelain colored all-over with a single color, as if with underglaze. The use of various colors on late Chosŏn porcelain was a significant turning point for its production. This development was likely caused by influences from Qing and Japan. In Qing, colored porcelain was the dominant type, already in everyday use, and Japan was following Qing closely. Chosŏn accepted this foreign culture of colored porcelain, and actively valued and embraced the culture and products of Qing. Whereas colors had served to distinguish different social classes in the Neo-Confucian hierarchy, they began to be employed more liberally. In late Chosŏn, the rapid growth of commodity and monetary economy meant that the existing social system that was built with yangban in the center was being upturned. Now, colors could be used more freely without any social restrictions. In the 19th century, scholars of the Northern Learning received influence of the Kaozheng school and tried to explain the world according to what was real. For them, colors provided a way of expressing the importance of subjective information and veracity. As all social classes could enjoy colors, different colored porcelain was developed and widely used, representing the new-found importance of colors in late Chosŏn.