Precious beyond Measure
A History of Korean Ceramics
Beth McKillop, Jane PortalA captivating, richly illustrated history of Korean ceramics
This is a captivating, richly illustrated history of the use of fired clay in Korea, spanning ancient times to the present day. Drawing on the latest research from Korean scholars, Precious beyond Measure features a wide range of examples from archaeological sites and museums. In addition, it offers a rare glimpse into the world of modern North Korean ceramics.
Beth McKillop and Jane Portal devote substantial chapters to the refined celadons of the Goryeo and porcelains of the Joseon dynasties from the tenth to the twentieth century, as well as an array of blue-and-white vessels. Merging maritime archaeology, textual evidence and kiln excavation reports, this book engages with Korea’s domestic and international spheres in surprising ways. Throughout history, Koreans have cherished their ceramic heritage. This overview reveals a remarkable and enduring tradition.
A captivating, richly illustrated history of Korean ceramics
This is a captivating, richly illustrated history of the use of fired clay in Korea, spanning ancient times to the present day. Drawing on the latest research from Korean scholars, Precious beyond Measure features a wide range of examples from archaeological sites and museums. In addition, it offers a rare glimpse into the world of modern North Korean ceramics.
Beth McKillop and Jane Portal devote substantial chapters to the refined celadons of the Goryeo and porcelains of the Joseon dynasties from the tenth to the twentieth century, as well as an array of blue-and-white vessels. Merging maritime archaeology, textual evidence and kiln excavation reports, this book engages with Korea’s domestic and international spheres in surprising ways. Throughout history, Koreans have cherished their ceramic heritage. This overview reveals a remarkable and enduring tradition.
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2025 American Ceramic Circle Book Award
'Shortlisted
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This is the book on Korean ceramics we have been waiting for. It is engaging and it is magisterial. And I love it.
'Edmund de Waal
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Jane Portal is one of my history heroes. This is an enchanting study, as beautiful as the objects it describes.
'Dan Snow
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The first comprehensive book in English on the history of Korean ceramics in over fifty years, Precious beyond Measure incorporates Korean archaeology and scholarship to present an all-round view – a must-read for students and collectors.
'Rose Kerr, former Keeper of the Far Eastern Department at the V&A
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Telling the fascinating story of a major but somewhat overlooked East Asian ceramic tradition – Korean ceramics – this book draws upon extensive and up-to-date research materials, and the deep knowledge of its authors, to consider ceramic developments over a comprehensive time frame, from the Neolithic period to the present day. Importantly, and for the first time, the history presented here dedicates a full chapter to the Modern and Contemporary periods, and includes North Korea. Within a chronological framework, a wide range of ceramics are considered from multiple perspectives, including production and design, form and function, archaeology, consumption and distribution, illustrated with multiple colour images. While written accessibly, the book synthesizes a vast amount of information, presenting a contextualized, authentic and inclusive history that makes an important contribution to our understanding of Korean ceramics and world ceramic traditions.
'Stacey Pierson, Professor of the History of Chinese Ceramics, SOAS University of London
Introduction: Clay on the Korean Peninsula
1 Pre-Goryeo
2 Goryeo Period
3 Ceramics in the Joseon Dynasty and the Colonial Period
4 Modern and Contemporary: New Beginnings in a Divided Country
5 Current Directions in Ceramic Research
References
Bibliography
Comparative Chronology of Korea, China and Japan
Photo Acknowledgements
Index
Beth McKillop (Author)
Beth McKillop was a senior research fellow and former deputy director at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Her publications include North Korean Culture and Society (2004).
Jane Portal (Author)
Jane Portal is Keeper of Asia at the British Museum, London. Her publications include Arts of Korea – MFA Highlights (2012).