East Asian Art Vessel with Lid Made in Korea, Asia2000 Kim Yikyung, Korean, born 1935 Porcelain with white glaze Currently not on view 2004-28-1a,b Gift of the Kang Collection, Korean Art, New York, 2004 |
LabelKim Yikyung is one of the most highly regarded contemporary Korean ceramists. Kim Yikyung studied ceramics as a chemical engineering major at Seoul National University and graduated from the Alfred Art School in the United States where she rediscovered her own country's unique ceramic heritage. Her source of inspiration comes primarily from traditional Korean ritual vessels of the Joseon period (1392 - 1910), which are characterized by their undecorated surfaces and strong geometric shapes. She played an important role in the development of modern Korean ceramics by managing to capture the essence of these traditional wares and at the same time offering a modern interpretation of them. At times the strong sculptural and abstract forms of her pieces make them seem more like sculpture than ceramic vessels. This rectangular lidded vessel is faceted and covered with a thick white glaze. There are two square knobs with incised lines around the edges on either side of the vessel and its lid. The character chon ("field") is incised on the left knob of the vessel, and the character t'o ("earth") is incised on the left knob of the lid. |
