Discovering onggi
PEOPLE
Words by Kim Seung-yong of Daily Plates Photos by Choi Yumi and Kim So-yeon
O
nggi production is a craft whose roots goes back to
ash without the bisque firing stage. Compared to other
the earliest earthenware of Korea. Unique to Korea,
earthenware, onggi offers advantages in fermenting its
onggi has a history that goes further back than other forms
contents. An onggi container is made with clay with high
of pottery such as moon jar, Buncheong ware and celadon
sand content to increase air permeability. This method
pottery. Due to its widespread use, people often miss
allows the contents to be aerated while preventing water
onggi’s place within the art of pottery. However, onggi has
molecules from escaping.
been one of the most familiar form of pottery throughout
Onggi is special. In its long history, onggi has taken on
history. And today, onggi is transforming to achieve
the fullness of the moon jar, the intricateness of Celadon
harmony with modern tableware.
pottery and the technical flare seen in earthenware. I want
Unlike other pottery, onggi is glazed with natural glaze
to preserve its traditions, and create a value unique to
made from buyeopto (soil mixed with pine leaf mold) and
onggi to show the world a new side of it.
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