[Korea Root] Joseon Baekja 'The Crisis of Jagi So and the Potter's Sorrow (悲哀)'

Corruption Among High-Ranking Officials, Self-So 'Corruption Worsening' Factor... Continued Escape from Self-So
Jungjong Implements 'Hereditary Occupation System' for Potters Amid Self-So Labor Shortage

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] Gwangju City in Gyeonggi Province cited the branch of the Joseon Dynasty government-operated pottery manufacturing site (官營沙器製造場) called 'Saongwon (司饔院)' as a competitive advantage to boost economic vitality and added value based on ceramic culture.

Shin Dong-heon, Mayor of Gwangju, proudly stated in an interview with this publication, "Gwangju is the hometown of Joseon royal white porcelain (白瓷) and a ceramic mecca where potters still pour their soul into their works to continue the old fame."

According to Gyeonggi Province historical materials, the installation period of the Saongwon branch in Gwangju varies slightly depending on historical researchers, but the upper limit is roughly estimated to be the 1430s or the late 1460s.

In particular, the porcelain made at the branch was used as official ware (官御用) for the royal family and national events, and could not be owned or traded by individuals.

This article explores the historical background and reasons for the establishment of the ceramic manufacturing site in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, and how it was operated. [Editor's note]

◈ Table of Contents

① Establishment of the 'Pottery Manufacturing Site (官營沙器製造場)' Branch

② Porcelain Office (瓷器所) and Potters (陶工)

③ Crisis of the Porcelain Office and the Sorrows of the Potters

■ Corruption of High-ranking Officials and the Crisis of the Porcelain Office

Baekja Kiln Site in Bunwon-ri, Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province [Cultural Heritage Administration]

Records in various historical documents confirm that high-quality white porcelain was produced in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, from the early 15th century.

The kiln sites producing royal white porcelain during the Joseon Dynasty were distributed in Silchon-myeon, Chowol-myeon, Jungbu-myeon, Toechon-myeon, Docheok-myeon, and Namjong-myeon.

The 『Sejong Sillok Jiriji』 also records that the porcelain offices in Gwangju-mok (廣州牧) were located in four places: Beoreulcheon (伐乙川), Sosan (所山), Seokgul-ri (石掘里), and Gohyeon (羔峴).

Beoreulcheon is estimated to be Beoncheon-ri in Jungbu-myeon, and Sosan is presumed to be Usan-ri in Toechon-myeon. In the Jiriji, the Beoreulcheon porcelain office is listed as 'high quality (上品),' while the Sosan and Seokgul-ri porcelain offices are listed as 'low quality (下品).'

Meanwhile, in the 19th year of King Jungjong's reign, 1524, corruption among the Saongwon officials overseeing the Gwangju branch porcelain office was gradually worsening.

Many branch supervisors and officials began to personally appropriate porcelain produced at the branch, which could not be owned or traded by individuals.

Eventually, that summer, the officials of the Saganwon and Saheonbu impeached the high-ranking official in charge of directing and supervising Saongwon affairs, the Jejo (提調).

The officials reported to the king: "Gyeongmyeonggun 景明君 Ichim has become the Saongwon Jejo and caused many harms. (...) First, Gyeongmyeonggun committed many acts beyond his station. Porcelain wine cups and dishes, which are very precious items and difficult to obtain even as tribute, were forcibly demanded and privately taken more than once. Moreover, he even distributed them to close associates, causing immeasurable harm." - 『Jungjong Sillok』 Volume 51, 19th year of Jungjong (1524), May 11

Bunwon Baekja Museum [Gwangju City]

However, King Jungjong delayed disciplinary action, stating that it was not yet certain whether Gyeongmyeonggun had indeed personally used the porcelain. This became a factor that worsened corruption at the branch porcelain office.

Lenient measures against the principle violations by high-ranking officials led to abuses by lower-level officials, including the Banjogwan (燔造官), who were dispatched on-site to supervise practical work.

The Saheonbu reported to the king: "Han Saemyeong, a Saongwon servant, committed many improper acts while serving as Banjogwan. He privately collected porcelain for personal use from artisans under his command, released soldiers at will, and accepted bribes, which is very shocking. Please dismiss him and never appoint him to office again." The king ordered that it be handled as reported. - 『Jungjong Sillok』 Volume 93, 35th year of Jungjong (1540), May 11

Unlike the corruption case involving the Saongwon Jejo, King Jungjong imposed strict punishment on the Banjogwan, including dismissal and prohibition from future office.

At that time, the Banjogwan, ranked at the 8th grade of the middle class, was not a position with influence warranting special favors from the king.

Thereafter, the branch's operation deteriorated further, reaching a point where the operation of the branch porcelain office itself was a concern.

Corruption among officials did not easily subside, and the number of potters fleeing the manufacturing site due to oppression and exploitation increased.

Consequently, difficulties in manpower management arose, and there were limits to supplementing with replacement personnel.

In the 38th year of King Jungjong's reign, 1543, the court finally prepared drastic measures to properly operate the branch porcelain office.

"The descendants of Saongwon potters shall not be assigned to other duties but shall inherit their occupation." - 「Gongjeon 工典 - Gongjang 工匠」 『Daejeon Husokrok 大典後續錄』

Gwangju Royal Porcelain Festival [Gwangju City]

The hereditary system for potters was not a regulation included in the 『Gyeongguk Daejeon』, the fundamental national management code compiled in the late 15th century.

It had become such an urgent issue to secure potters that it needed to be explicitly stated in the law.

Without securing a certain number of branch potters, it was difficult to expect a stable supply of high-quality ceramics required by the royal family and national institutions.

About 70 years after establishing the Saongwon branch in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, the operation of the branch porcelain office was facing a major crisis.

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