Yeon tae Park (박연태) works in the buncheong tradition, wood-firing his ceramics in a multichamber climbing kiln outside of Mungyeong where he lives with his family. He uses a variety of clays from a mine in southern Gyeongnam province which he processes with his own local materials. He fires his kiln for about 30 hours, reaching a temperature of 1300°C.

Park’s interests started with painting and drawing, but when entered university he was inspired by ceramics. After graduating from Kyongil University he studied ceramics further at Dankook University. He was moved by the buncheong ware of Shin Sang ho, not surprising since Shin is recognized for revitalizing buncheong with a contemporary sensibility. Similarly, Park’s buncheong ware overlaps with contemporary painting and sculpture, attracting the attention of collectors, galleries, and museums.

The largest of seven I acquired from Park’s studio, this moon jar stands slightly taller than wide, adding to its already impressive scale. A key buncheong feature, Park’s white slip covers an iron-rich clay, dripping in subtle veils. Upon closer inspection his glaze is alive with subtle crazing and the occasional tiny stone burst and iron bloom.

Unlike the sophisticated perfection of Goryeo celadons or porcelains, buncheong comes from the earth. It has an aura hard to define. But Park’s quote from an anonymous prayer comes close:

whenever pottery is made with sweat,
tears and craving for art,
bless it with usefulness as a water bowl for the thirsty,
as a rice bowl for the starving, and a teabowl for the exhausted.
Through this, bless us with the appreciation of the earth,
the water, the fire the wind and the heaven.

Comes with the signed and stamped wood box, stamped wrapping cloth, and CV.