'The True Essence of Joseon Baekja Blue-and-White Porcelain' Thematic Exhibition of the Hwajang Museum Collection

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] The Coreana Cosmetics Museum is hosting the exhibition "Blue Tinted in Baekja" until February 6th next year, where visitors can view both Joseon Dynasty Baekja Cheonghwa artifacts, known as the pinnacle of white porcelain, and contemporary works.

Baekja Cheonghwa is a traditional craft distinguished by the harmony of white and blue colors. Blue designs are painted on white porcelain, with white symbolizing purity, integrity, and restraint, while blue represents hope, life, and growth.

In the early Joseon period, the royal court, which adopted Neo-Confucianism as its governing ideology, designated Baekja as the royal tableware suitable for expressing frugality and restraint, leading to rapid development of Baekja production techniques. In the 14th century, Baekja Cheonghwa, featuring blue pigment paintings on white porcelain, was introduced from China, captivating the royal family and aristocracy with its beauty.

During the Joseon Dynasty, Baekja Cheonghwa was produced and managed through the official kiln system (Gwanyo) specializing in royal ceramics. Skilled painters from Dohwaseo used expensive blue cobalt pigment called Hoihwaecheong (回回靑), imported from China, to create the designs. Baekja Cheonghwa, regarded as the flower of Joseon white porcelain, developed mainly among the royal family and the yangban class. In the late Joseon period, changes in social and economic conditions, privatization of official kilns, and expansion of demand led to diverse forms and patterns.

This exhibition is the twenty-sixth planned exhibition by the Coreana Cosmetics Museum. It showcases over 60 Baekja Cheonghwa artifacts used in rituals, ceremonies, and daily life, alongside works by artist Lee Seung-hee. Lee Seung-hee reconstructs ceramics using a flat bas-relief technique, establishing a new paradigm of ceramic painting in contemporary art. Through the artist’s flat paintings, visitors can see Baekja Cheonghwa reinterpreted in modern times based on tradition.

Additionally, through Baekja Cheonghwa videos from the Gyeonggi Ceramic Museum, visitors can explore the production process of Baekja Cheonghwa, which blossomed based on the development of Joseon white porcelain.

In connection with the "Blue Tinted in Baekja" exhibition, a hands-on program titled "Making Baekja Cheonghwa Magnets" using shrink plastic will be offered. Participants will learn about the background of Baekja Cheonghwa, the materials used in Cheonghwa, and the meanings of various patterns, then create their own magnets by drawing blue designs and using shrink plastic. The program is held every other Saturday for 60 minutes during the exhibition period, targeting families and adults. For more details about the exhibition and the hands-on program, please contact the Coreana Cosmetics Museum.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.