Buncheong, or punch'ong, ware is a traditional form of Korean stoneware, with a blue-green tone. Pieces are coated with white slip (ceramics), and decorative designs are added using a variety of techniques. This style originated in the 15th century and continues in a revived form today. History Buncheong is a contemporary term for a specific type of traditional Korean stoneware that developed in the 15th century, during the Joseon Dynasty, as Goryeo celadon techniques and subject matter evolved. Buncheong ware developed from the earlier Goryeo celadon inlay technique called sanggam and rapidly distinguished itself. In contrast to the refined elegance of Goryeo celadon, buncheong is designed to be natural, unassuming, and practical. This style is characterized by its pale blue-green color and decorative techniques, which involved shaping the clay and then covering it in white slip (ceramics) and decorating it by carving, stamping, and brushwork. Buncheong style initially lasted for a little over a century in Korea. In its heyday, buncheong ware pieces were exported to Japan by practitioners of the Japanese tea ceremony. The Japanese invasions in the 1590s caused extensive economic devastation to Joseon-era Korea, including the development of the ceramic industry. Hundreds of Korean ceramic artisans were killed or abducted, and taught the Japanese to produce their own porcelain, causing the simplification and decline of native Korean ceramics. It all but disappeared from Korea after the 16th century, partially due to the popularity of Joseon white porcelain. While the production of buncheong ware in Korea declined and was outpaced by porcelain, stoneware featuring buncheong-derived aesthetic elements continued to be produced in Japan, where it became known as Mishima pottery, simultaneously with porcelain. In Japan the two were seen as separate forms of expression, neither substituting for the other. Buncheong style continued to be used in Japan as tea ceremony ware, but only experienced a revival in Korea in the 20th century. Also during the 20th century, elements of buncheong’s aesthetics reached Europe and the United States through Bernard Leach, Shoji Hamada, and other artists who were knowledgeable in Asian ceramic traditions. Buncheong continues to inspire artists to this day, and both Japanese and Korean artists work with buncheong techniques. The National Museum of Korea houses a large collection of Buncheong ware, as well as the Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art in Seoul. Characteristics Buncheong is characterized by the use of dark, iron-bearing clay covered in white slip