Kim Changho
“I created a smaller interpretation of the traditional Korean earthenware jar, shaped with my own sensibility and aesthetic.
Onggi becomes truly beautiful when the repetitive work of making it settles naturally into the body and hands. A vessel is at its best when it seems to form almost on its own — a state where I am making it, yet it feels as though something beyond myself is guiding the process. Natural, effortless, and quietly assisted. That is the path of the craftsman.
Because it is empty, it is able to hold. And because two imperfect forms come together to create one complete vessel, it carries a quiet and subtle charm. The pieces must fit together precisely, so although the form appears simple, it is by no means easy to make.
I hope these vessels bring beauty and grace to ordinary daily life, carrying with them a sense of sincerity and care. I hope the humble touch of the Onggi maker remains in each piece, and that this feeling is gently passed on to others.”
Kim Changho’s biography & CV
Currently operating Obuja Onggi
Born in 1969
Education
2013 Certified Trainee for National Intangible Cultural Heritage Onggijang(Earthenware Making)
2020 Yeoju-certified Master Ceramic Craftsman
2023 Culture Award, Yeoju City
Awards
2026 The Grand Prize, The 13th Korea Onggi Competition, Ulsan, Korea
2024 Selected Works, The Beautiful Korean Ceramics Competition, Gwangju, Gyeonngi-province, Korea
2022 Special Prize, Korea Traditional Handcrafts Exhibition, Seoul, Korea
2018 The 5th Prize, Korea Traditional Handcrafts Exhibition, Seoul, Korea
Selected Exhibition
2024 Onggi Cups, The Star Gallery, Seoul, Korea
2022 Onggi LiddedBoel, The Star Gallery, Seoul, Korea
2023 Onggi Candle, Ipo Onggi Kiln Site Gallery, Yeoju, Korea
2025 Special Exhibition of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage Onggijang(Earthenware Making) Connecttivity, Ipo Onggi Kiln Site, Yeoju, Korea
2024 The Touch that Connects Time, Deoksugung Palace, Korea Heritage Service, Korea Heritage Agency, Seoul, Korea
2024 Special Exhibition : ‘Nature’s Breath, Human Rest, Certified Trainee Support Program, Gallery Insa1010, Korea Heritage Service, Korea Heritage Agency, Seoul, Korea
Collections
Korea Heritage Service, Onggi Folk Museum, National Intangible Heritage Center