Korean Onggi

Glazed pots were first referred to as OT-GU-RUT (literally meaning dressed pot), then as they became more popular, they were called O-GI-GU-RUT. This then changed to ONGGI, which became the basic term for glazed pots.

Here it is important to state that there existed another type of ware before the glazed pots were introduced. This is known to be a half-glazed ware and it is different from the unglazed and glazed earthenware. However, similar to the unglazed earthenware it was salt-fired and retained the color of the clay body even after a firing without being carbonized. Furthermore, although the surface differed from an actual glazes ware, it had gloss.

Experienced potters divided their firing techniques into GIL-GU-RUT (unglazed carbonized earthenware), PU-RAE-DOK (salt-fired ware), BAN-O-GI (salt-fired ware without being carbonized) and O-GI (glazed ware).

The GIL-GU-RUT (unglazed carbonized earthenware), is made by controlling the smoke within the kiln. The smoke is absorbed into the clay body and the surface color becomes a dark gray. Once the clay body has been carbonized, it is no longer porous therefore it can hold water. Same with the PU-RAE-DOK (salt-fired ware), the clay body is first carbonized and then salt is thrown into the kiln to conduct a salt-firing. The surface effect differs depending on the amount of salt added in a firing. The type of PU-RAE-DOK (salt-fired ware), made without adding salt, is an entirely different category made during another stage of the ceramic development.

The Regional Differences of the Onggi

At a first glance, all the shapes of the Onggi, may appear as being similar. However they differ conspicuously depending on the region they belong to. For instance, the Onggi wares made in the Gyeong-Sang Province (south-eastern region of Korea), tend to have wider shoulders whilst the Onggi wares of the Gang-Won Province (north-eastern region of Korea) are taller and narrower.

Research shows that Onggis of different regions differ considerably. The forms and linear qualities of each region were examined and then they were placed one on top of each other to mark their differences and similarities. In doing so, a generalized outline of the forms belonging to the difference regions was made.

The differences in the Onggi forms are the result of numerous different factors. Therefore it is difficult to made a clarified analysis. Furthermore because the Onggi traits depend largely on custom, function, climate, eating habits and other natural conditions of its environment, as well as making and firing techniques, it is difficult to analyze it only from a ceramic point of view.

Function is probably the most important element that accounts for the different forms found in the Onggi. Therefore, compared to porcelains, the Onggi is considerably versatile. It has an abundance of shape and usage.

Different Regional Traits of the Onggi

Jeolla Province

Gyeong-sang Province

Chuoong-cheong Province

Gang-won Province

Seoul, Gyeonggi Province