Leiden University Student Repository

van Dam, Senna (2023)

The Korean Moon Jar: Changing Interpretations of a Korean National Symbol

Bachelor thesis | Koreastudies (BA)

In recent years the moon jar has become known as a symbol of a national Korean identity. Moon jars are made of porcelain and have a large, spherical body that is made in two separate halves which are luted together. The vessel emerged out of practicality and was appreciated for its purposefulness and distinctly Korean aesthetics. From the colonial period onwards, the vessel was reinterpreted by Japanese scholars to suit their colonial narrative. Following liberation of colonial rule, the moon jar was elevated to the status of a national symbol and promoted through active strategies of cultural diplomacy. Nowadays, the moon jar is approached aesthetically and philosophically in American and British Museum. By analyzing catalog text it can be concluded that the moon jar is seen as an exemplary artwork representing Chosôn aesthetics and philosophical values.

Moon jar, Chosôn ceramics, national identity, cultural diplomacy, museums

Author

van Dam, Senna

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Specialisation

Arts and Culture

Supervisors

Choi, W.

ECTS Credits

10

Language

en