Kim Heungbae
The moon—especially the full moon—is widely regarded as containing auspicious energy. It symbolizes abundance and fertility, inspires people to make wishes, and often evokes longing for someone dear. There exists a remarkable work of art that expresses this very image of the moon.
Even those who are not particularly interested in traditional Korean culture often find themselves in awe before the white porcelain moon jars of the Joseon Dynasty. These jars were not treated as anything more than ordinary utilitarian objects until the 20th century. However, beginning in the 20th century, Joseon moon jars started to receive immense admiration from scholars, antique collectors, and artists alike, both in the East and the West. Countless modern and contemporary ceramicists, as well as sculptors, photographers, and painters, have created works that reinterpret and capture their beauty—too many to mention individually.
Contrary to common assumptions, a moon jar is not formed in a single step. The upper and lower halves of the body are made separately and then joined together, after which the entire form is refined. The reason why perfectly spherical jars are rare, despite the name “moon jar,” lies in this production process. Moreover, even after the form is completed, the jar must endure firing in a kiln at around 1,300°C. During this process, many collapse, crack, or deform due to their own weight, internal tension, and extreme heat. From a modern perspective, moon jars may not seem particularly large. However, in the Joseon era—when clay was kneaded by hand, wheels were turned by foot, and kilns were fired with wood—the size of a moon jar may well have represented the “maximum” achievable, shaped by countless variables and chance occurrences.
As both a person living in the modern era and a ceramic artist with a sense of vocation, I focus on reinterpreting the moon jar—an object embodying profound meaning, form, and the pinnacle of artistic beauty—in a way that resonates with contemporary sensibilities.
Kim Heungbae’s biography & CV
Born in 1964
Currently Yeoju-certified Master Ceramic Craftsman
(Operating Woonsan Ceramics Research Institute)
Awards and Honors
2016 — Commendation from Gyeonggi Governor Nam Kyung-pil
2015 — Special Selection, Jeollanam-do Art Exhibition
2014 — Excellence Award, 2nd Korea Patriotism Art Exhibition
2013 — President’s Award, Federation of Arts & Culture Organizations, Korea Academy Art Exhibition
2011 — Bronze Prize, National Skills Competition
2011 — Special Selection, Korea Culture & Art Grand Exhibition
2011 — Silver Prize, Gyeonggi-do Skills Competition
2007 — Grand Prize, 1st Ceramic Competition at the 4th Gyeonggi World Ceramic Biennale
2004 — Commendation from Yeoju County Governor Lim Chang-seon
2003 — Excellence Award, “Clay Olympics” at the 17th Icheon Ceramic Festival
2003 — Grand Prize, Banggok Wood-Fired Kiln Art Festival, Chungcheongbuk-do
2002 — Korean Arts Achievement Award, Korea Arts & Culture Association Exhibition
2000 — Creativity Award, “Clay Olympics” at the World Ceramic Expo
2000 — Culture Award, Korea Arts & Culture Association Exhibition
2000 — Certificate of Appreciation from the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Korea
1998 — Grand Prize, Korea Arts & Culture Association Exhibition
Selected Group & Special Exhibitions
2017 — Workshop and Exhibition at Qingdao Wiyo Museum, Qingdao, China
2017 — Exhibition at Joryeong Folk Craft Village, Goesan, Chungbuk, Korea
2016 — Nami Island International Ceramic Festival Exhibition, Korea
2016 — Changchun International Ceramic Exhibition, Changchun, China
2015 — Nami Island International Ceramic Festival Exhibition
2015 — Jingdezhen Dogyecheon Exhibition and Workshop, Jingdezhen ,China
2015 — Group Exhibition at Gangcheonbo Exhibition Hall, Yeoju, Korea
2014 — Nami Island International Ceramic Festival Exhibition
1998 — Invitational Exhibition at Uzbekistan University of Arts
1998 — New Salon Exhibition, Seoul
1997 — Invitational Exhibition at the Australian Embassy, Bruce Watling Museum
1997 — Invitational Exhibition at the Istanbul Art Association, Istanbul, Turkey
1997 — Four-Person Exhibition at Hyundai Department Store Gallery, Seoul, Korea
1996 — Invitational Exhibition at the Chinese Embassy, National Sichuan Province Exhibition, Sichuan, China
And many others