{"title":"Kwon O-Hak","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eAn innovator of modern celadon, he experiments boldly with sound and form, crafting musical instruments in clay and pioneering the daring additive technique known as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003eDeot-but-im\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"celadon-gayageum-inlaid-peony-and-phoenix-motif","title":"Celadon Gayageum: Inlaid Peony and Phoenix Motif","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e“Where music meets stillness, and clay becomes a memory of sound.”\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis extraordinary work is a porcelain reinterpretation of the gayageum—a beloved traditional Korean stringed instrument—crafted entirely by hand in Icheon and measuring approximately 55 cm in length. Though not intended for performance, this celadon gayageum is far more than a decorative homage. It is a sculptural symphony of form, precision, and symbolism—born of countless trials in the kiln.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe body is formed from Goryeo-style celadon clay, glazed in a soft jade green with the distinctive crackle finish prized in classical Korean ceramics. Set into the surface using the sanggam (inlay) technique are two iconic motifs: the peony, symbol of prosperity, honour, and timeless beauty, and the phoenix, emblem of rebirth and noble grace. Together, these motifs express balance and ascension—making the piece not only beautiful, but deeply resonant in meaning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery component of a true gayageum has been thoughtfully echoed in ceramic: the three sound chambers at the base, the delicately carved anjok (bridge pegs shaped like goose feet), the twisted strings, and the ornamental butterfly tassels. The reddish rim accent and brush-drawn patterns lend contrast and rhythm to the jade surface, while fine detailing—like the crimson-tinted phoenix beak—shows the artisan’s refined control over both glaze and fire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite its delicate appearance, this work stands confidently as a centrepiece. Whether resting upon a cabinet of fine wood or displayed in a light-washed alcove, it creates a mood of contemplative grandeur—quiet yet unmistakably noble. It speaks not through melody, but through poise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs with all handmade works, minor variations in glaze tone, surface texture, or inlay detail are to be expected and embraced. Each piece carries the breath of the kiln and the rhythm of the maker’s hands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWidth- 56cm (21.65 inch)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDepth- 14cm (5.51 inch)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeight- 6cm (2.36 inch)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Goryeo Cosmetics Inc.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47641348735208,"sku":null,"price":5300.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2800\/9976\/files\/Kwon_O_Hak_Celadon_Gayageum_Phoenix_Motif_01.png?v=1781846582"},{"product_id":"celadon-vase-relief-applied-pensive-bodhisattva-motif","title":"Celadon Vase: Relief-Applied Pensive Bodhisattva Motif","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e“A quiet gesture carved in clay—where serenity takes form in silence.”\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis extraordinary celadon vase (청자 덧붙임 반가사유상문 호) captures the contemplative spirit of the Pensive Bodhisattva, delicately brought to life through a rare additive technique developed by the artisan himself. Unlike typical relief carving, this method—known in Korean as 덧붙임—involves sculpting with a separate clay body directly onto the vessel’s surface by hand. The result is not merely decorative, but deeply sculptural: a meditative figure that seems to rise gently from the jade-green glaze, casting shadows that shift softly with the light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe work is formed from celadon clay (청자토) for the base body and a specially formulated additive clay (조합토) for the applied sculpture. These clays have differing moisture levels and shrink rates, making their union extremely fragile. The artisan must synchronise the drying phases with exacting care; any misstep in timing may lead to cracking or detachment during the kiln process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe firing itself is another trial: the piece requires a kiln time up to 1.5 times longer than standard celadon, allowing the deep crackled glaze to mature while stabilising the hand-applied elements. Each successful firing brings with it a sense of quiet relief—as the artist himself admits, he listens intently for the dreaded sound of the additive clay separating during the heat. “Every time I hear nothing,” he says, “is a small miracle.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vase is adorned with lotus petals at its base and neck, echoing the symbolic purity of the Bodhisattva figure in the centre. The serene pose, with one hand resting lightly near the chin, evokes a moment of stillness—a sacred pause, almost breathing within the clay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStanding at approximately 37 cm tall and 25 cm wide, this piece is equally suited to solitary display or quiet conversation with other curated objects. Whether placed in a contemplative corner or softly illuminated in a living room, it invites reflection—both visual and emotional.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease note: As this is a fully handmade work, variations in glaze tone, carving detail, and overall shape may occur. These are not flaws, but the marks of authenticity—evidence that each piece is formed by human hands, not moulds.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiameter- 25cm (9.84 inch)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeight- 37cm (14.57 inch)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Goryeo Cosmetics Inc.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47662971748584,"sku":null,"price":5187.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2800\/9976\/files\/buddah-vase.jpg?v=1757305360"},{"product_id":"celadon-decorative-plate-relief-applied-tiger-and-magpie-motif-by-master-artisan","title":"Celadon Decorative Plate: Relief-Applied Tiger and Magpie Motif","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e”Where mischief meets tradition, and stillness is only surface-deep.“\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis handcrafted Korean celadon decorative plate—meticulously created by master artisan Kwon Oh-Hak of Icheon—features a captivating relief-applied scene of a tiger, magpie, and pine tree, rendered in exquisite harmony. At 32 cm in diameter, its commanding presence graces any room with quiet authority and playful tension.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeneath the distinctive crackled celadon glaze—cool and serene like early morning mist—unfolds a scene both folkloric and symbolic. A white tiger, expression torn between charm and defiance, sits crouched beneath a pine tree. Above him, a solitary magpie tilts its head, as though engaged in a silent dialogue. The visual balance between the grounded bulk of the tiger and the perch of the bird creates a moment of theatrical stillness—reminiscent of traditional folk paintings, where animals often stood in for human satire and yearning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike typical relief carving, this method—known in Korean as 덧붙임—involves sculpting with a separate clay body directly onto the vessel’s surface by hand. The base is formed from celadon clay, while the tiger is modelled using a specially formulated additive clay. These clays differ in moisture and shrinkage, requiring precise timing and technique to prevent detachment during drying and firing. The kiln process itself takes up to 1.5 times longer than standard celadon, allowing the glaze to mature and the applied sculpture to stabilise. “Every time I hear nothing,” the artisan notes, “is a small miracle.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe plate’s composition balances strength with humour. In Korean tradition, the magpie is a herald of joy; the tiger, both guardian and clown, holds paradoxical roles in the collective psyche. Together, they form an iconic pairing—less confrontation, more conversation. The brushwork of the pine, the fine articulation of the fur, and the curve of the magpie’s neck all draw the eye gently, inviting interpretation without imposition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether mounted on a wall or resting on a low wooden stand, this piece is not merely decorative—it is sculpted narrative. A vessel of stillness. A whisper of folklore. A quiet, enduring presence.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeight- 5 cm (1.97 inch)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiameter- 32 cm (12.6 inch)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Goryeo Cosmetics Inc.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47761177346280,"sku":null,"price":860.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2800\/9976\/files\/tiger-plate-for-gallery22.jpg?v=1761338377"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2800\/9976\/collections\/Kwon-Oh-Hak.collection.jpg?v=1758139537","url":"https:\/\/artinko.gallery\/collections\/kwon-o-hak.oembed","provider":"Artinko Gallery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}