T he beauty of Korean Moon Jars, an iconic form of Joseon-era white porcelain, is being introduced to audiences in Denver, Colorado. The National Museum of Korea, in collaboration with the Denver Art Museum, is presenting the special exhibition “Lunar Phases: Korean Moon Jars,” which runs from March 2 to June 8.
This exhibition is part of the Korean Galleries Support Program of the National Museum of Korea, featuring a total of 21 works. It includes six traditional moon jars from the Joseon Dynasty, six modern reinterpretations by contemporary ceramic artists, and 15 additional artworks inspired by moon jars, including paintings, photographs, and installations. Pieces on loan from the National Museum of Korea, Leeum Museum of Art, Amorepacific Museum of Art, and Kukje Gallery are also part of the display, offering American audiences a deeper look into the unique aesthetics of Korean ceramics.
The Aesthetic Harmony of Tradition and Modernity
Held in the Gallagher Family Gallery on the first floor of the Hamilton Building at the Denver Art Museum, the exhibition explores the historical significance and artistic beauty of moon jars while showcasing contemporary artists’ reinterpretations. The collection includes 18th-century traditional moon jars, fragmented or deformed experimental works, and jars with subtle variations in glaze and form.
One of the exhibition’s highlights is photographer Koo Bohnchang’s Vessel Series, which captures the timeless elegance of white porcelain through black-and-white photography. Architect and designer Minjae Kim incorporates architectural principles into his reinterpretation of moon jars, blending traditional forms with contemporary structures. Steven Young Lee, an American-based Korean artist, challenges traditional moon jar aesthetics by intentionally distorting shapes and using bold colors, expanding the conceptual boundaries of ceramic art.
Hyonjeong Kim Han, Curator of Asian Art at the Denver Art Museum, stated, “This exhibition highlights how moon jars have been reinterpreted and recreated over time. It will be an exceptional opportunity for American audiences to explore the depth of Korean ceramic artistry, bridging the past and present.”
Engaging Programs and Visitor Experiences
The exhibition also features interactive programs for visitors. On March 1, an artist talk was held, moderated by Curator Hyonjeong Kim Han, featuring YoungJune P. Lew, Ken Gun Min, and Minjae Kim. The artists shared insights into their creative processes and how their immigrant experiences influenced their reinterpretations of moon jars.
Additionally, on May 17, ceramic artist Lee Dong Sik will present a live moon jar-making demonstration, allowing visitors to witness the intricate process of crafting these iconic vessels and even participate in hands-on activities.
A dedicated educational space has also been created within the exhibition, featuring video presentations on the moon jar-making process and a tactile experience where visitors can touch replicas of moon jars, providing a more immersive understanding of their texture and form.
The Denver Art Museum emphasized, “This exhibition serves as a bridge between Korea’s traditional heritage and contemporary art, expanding the global influence of K-culture. The moon jar’s elegant aesthetics and symbolism offer a unique perspective on Korean artistry.”
The exhibition is included in general admission at the Denver Art Museum, with free entry for visitors aged 18 and under through the Free for Kids program. More details are available on the museum’s official website (www.denverartmuseum.org).
