Discovering onggi

Discovering onggi

PEOPLE

Words by Kim Seung-yong of Daily Plates

Photos by Choi Yumi and Kim So-yeon

Onggi production is a craft whose roots goes back to the earliest earthenware of Korea. Unique to Korea, onggi has a history that goes further back than other forms of pottery such as moon jar, Buncheong ware and celadon pottery.

Due to its widespread use, people often miss onggi’s place within the art of pottery. However, onggi has been one of the most familiar form of pottery throughout history.

And today, onggi is transforming to achieve harmony with modern tableware. Unlike other pottery, onggi is glazed with natural glaze made from buyeopto (soil mixed with pine leaf mold) and ash without the bisque firing stage.

Compared to other earthenware, onggi offers advantages in fermenting its contents. An onggi container is made with clay with high sand content to increase air permeability. This method allows the contents to be aerated while preventing water molecules from escaping. Onggi is special. In its long history, onggi has taken on the fullness of the moon jar, the intricateness of Celadon pottery and the technical flare seen in earthenware. I want to preserve its traditions, and create a value unique to onggi to show the world a new side of it.