Why are people fascinated by "blue"? Unraveling the secrets of a thousand years of beauty at the Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka's "CELADON" exhibition
Standing in Nakanoshima, Osaka, is the Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka, a temple of Eastern ceramics.
Right now, a quiet yet magnificent exhibition is being held here that shakes the very foundations of our aesthetic sense. It is titled "CELADON: The Radiance of East Asian Celadon."
When you hear the word "celadon," what color comes to mind?
The color of the sky after the rain, the color of a deep, clear lake, or perhaps the color of hard ice or jade?
Through the world's finest collection, including the National Treasure "Celadon Vase with Iron Spots," this exhibition invites us on a journey to find the answer to why the people of East Asia have been captivated by this mysterious "blue" for over a thousand years.
In this article, we will go beyond a simple introduction to the works and provide you with "three perspectives" to enjoy the exhibition 120%. After reading this, the story behind each vessel will surely appear more vividly before your eyes.
Perspective 1: Unraveling the essence of "celadon beauty" through words
When you step into the exhibition room, you are enveloped in various shades of "blue." However, you might find yourself at a loss for words on how to express that beauty. At such times, the words left behind by people of the past become a compass for your appreciation.
"Resembling jade," "resembling ice": Lu Yu, the sage of tea during the Tang Dynasty, described the highest quality Yue ware celadon as "resembling jade or ice." This is not just about color, but a term that captures the "texture"—the cool, hard transparency and the moist, lustrous quality. Please pay attention to the texture of the glaze flowing over the surface of the vessels.
"The green color of a thousand peaks": The Tang poet Lu Guimeng wrote, "It is as if it has stolen the green from layers upon layers of mountain peaks." You can feel the passion of people trying to capture the vibrant green beauty of the natural world within pottery.
"Jade color": During the Goryeo Dynasty on the Korean Peninsula, people called this celadon the "color of jade" and treasured it more than gold or silver vessels. Especially in the Goryeo celadon section, please take your time to savor its unique, elegant blue-green color.
If you keep these words in mind while facing the works, you will be filled with a mysterious sensation, as if you are sharing the wonder that people from a thousand years ago must have felt, transcending time.
Perspective 2: Deciphering the "reasons for being a masterpiece" through techniques
This exhibition features true "treasures." Why are these called masterpieces? The secret is hidden in their superb "techniques."
National Treasure "Celadon Vase with Iron Spots" — A touch of brilliance that breaks the silence
The National Treasure "Celadon Vase with Iron Spots" could be called the star of this exhibition.
Its most prominent feature is the brown spots scattered across the smooth celadon surface. This is a technique called "tobi-seiji" (flying celadon), created by dripping iron-rich clay onto the glazed vessel before firing.
The spots appear perfectly calculated, yet natural, showing no sign of artifice. It is as if they were ripples created by a single drop falling onto a still water surface, or the shadow of a bird crossing a clear blue sky.
This exquisite contrast between "stillness" and "motion" stirs the viewer's imagination and gives the vessel infinite depth. Combined with its well-proportioned, graceful form, it exudes a dignity truly worthy of being called the greatest masterpiece of Longquan celadon.
Important Cultural Property "Celadon Ewer with Inlaid Children and Floral Scroll Design" — The unique decorative beauty born of Goryeo
In the Goryeo celadon section, this ewer stands out. What is noteworthy is the pattern finely drawn on the surface of the vessel. This is due to a unique technique symbolizing Goryeo celadon called "inlay" (zogan).
The surface of the base is carved into the shape of a pattern, filled with white or black clay, and then fired after being covered with a transparent celadon glaze. This makes the pattern stand out clearly from beneath the celadon glaze. On this ewer, the playfully frolicking children and the vibrant floral scroll designs shine brilliantly against the jade-colored background, creating a gorgeous and elegant worldview. You will surely be amazed by the creativity of the Goryeo people, who brought a painterly beauty to pottery that cannot be expressed in a single color.
Perspective 3: Imagining the "beauty of utility" and traveling through history
The celadon in the display cases were originally "tools" used in people's daily lives and rituals. Imagining where and how these vessels were used turns viewing them into an even more fascinating "time travel" experience.
As vessels for savoring tea: Just as Lu Yu praised celadon, celadon bowls were considered the vessels in which green tea looked most beautiful.
As vessels for flower arranging: What kind of flowers were arranged in flower vases like the "Celadon Vase with Iron-Brown Splashes," and what kind of spaces did they adorn?
As a symbol of authority: Celadon from the Ru and Southern Song Guan kilns could only be held by emperors and royalty. Their perfect form and ascetic blue color embody the aesthetic sense of the supreme ruler.
And so, that journey continues from China and Korea to Japan. In Japan, longing for these imported goods (karamono) finally led to the start of celadon production in Arita during the Edo period. From the exquisite celadon of the Nabeshima clan kilns to new expressions of celadon by contemporary artists, feeling how these techniques and aesthetic sensibilities have been "continuously" passed down is a major appeal of this exhibition.
Conclusion: A journey to find your own "treasure"
The "CELADON" exhibition at the Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka, is not just a place to view beautiful ceramics. It is a place that sparks an intellectual chemical reaction in our hearts, much like the chemical reaction where the slight iron content in the glaze turns into the miraculous color of "blue" in the flames.
This exhibition also features a special project commemorating the Osaka-Kansai Expo, "Treasures of Osaka: 20 Selected MOCO Treasures." Among the many masterpieces, which one will resonate most with your heart?
Please set out on a journey to find a special "treasure" that you can describe the beauty of in your own words.