Korea’s Moon Jars—Transported, Transfigured, and Reinterpreted: An Analysis

March 17, 2024

The discussion surrounding this paper focuses on the moon jar, a type of pottery created by the Korean people. Such a work holds significance among these people, and the text aims to speak to this significance. Additionally, what elements of the jar lead it to be beloved? These are the powerful questions of this discussion, focusing on the jar’s significance. Such answers are derived from information in the chosen article.            

The article Korea’s Moon Jars—Transported, Transfigured, and Reinterpreted by Haely Haeyoon Chang has been chosen for this discussion. Such an article speaks to the origination of Korea’s moon jars and other facets of the jar, such as the creation process. Delving into how the jars are perceived also brings to the matter of this pottery’s cultural significance. Mainly, this text provides general information regarding the jars and includes a brief history for a comprehensive look.

This writing explores the significance of the moon jar within Korean culture and the elements of such. In analyzing the chosen article, the posed questions can be answered and discussed. In addition, it forms an argument for the selected answer. That said, the answer to the posed question is that the jar became an integral part of being and therefore grew to be significant to the Korean people. The beauty of such a common object brought such people to be more appreciative of it, and the uniqueness of such an artform was one to be prideful of.

            Chang’s writing brings to light the moon jar and its exceptional place within Korean culture. This jar is not merely “a cultural symbol of Korean art abroad” but a masterpiece in its own league. This text strives to underline this uniqueness, crafting a definition that truly grasps the jar's artistry. Such a goal is primarily reinforced by the perspective held within Korea of such an object, although another viewpoint is also acknowledged.            Chang provides accounts of how the jar is culturally significant to support this view. One such account regards moon jars as everyday objects, but rather than this being a point of contention, it is seen as “invaluable in everyday life and being inseparable from [one’s] quotidian existence.”[1] 

Additionally, while such a creation is derived from a push to create pottery for Japan, it is one for which no other neighboring countries in the eighteenth century had a counterpart.2 Additionally, quotes and insights from Korean art and culture experts support this narrative.             

Although this argument is well constructed, it is not without limitations. Primarily, a comprehensive look at the moon jars' cultural significance is expressed within Korea, but a more general perception is less vocalized. Therefore, understanding how these jars are perceived outside of Korea or how they are interpreted in different cultural contexts may be limited. Despite this, however, it is important to note that an outsider’s account is mentioned and does support the text. While this does aid in scope, it does not provide sufficient information. Additionally, Chang’s position as a scholar of Asian art likely creates a form of bias.           

Chang's article contributes to the broader discourse of non-Western art history by highlighting the significance of the moon jar, an art form that is heavily integrated into Korean culture. Such demonstrates the power of art in bringing people together while also speaking to the complexities of creating art. Notably, this process is significant in that slight imperfections are appealing rather than being frowned upon. As Chang said, “these subtle imperfections have come to encapsulate the moon jar’s individual beauty.”[2]

Research on Korea’s moon jars provides valuable insights into their cultural significance and artistry. By exploring the creation process and the perceptions of the jars both within and outside of Korea, Chang offers a nuanced understanding of how art can reflect and shape cultural identities. Additionally, the process of creating such artwork utilizes methods that combine science and art to form such a work.

Haely Haeyoon Chang's article Korea’s Moon Jars—Transported, Transfigured, and Reinterpreted sheds light on the profound significance of the moon jar within Korean culture. Such is considered “both art and everyday life.”[3] Such a sentiment encompasses its role as an everyday object imbued with invaluable meaning in Korean life. While the article primarily focuses on the Korean perspective, it acknowledges the importance of understanding the jars' perception outside of Korea, albeit without extensive detail. In all, Chang offers a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of this Korean art form while detailing the creation of such.

[1] Chang, Haely Haeyoon. Korea’s Moon Jars—Transported, Transfigured, and Reinterpreted. pp. 38. 2018. Jstor.  https://www.jstor.org/stable/48569741?seq=3.

[2] Chang. pp. 37. 2.

[3] Chang. pp. 38. 2.