earticle

한국어

Although many studies are devoted to the historical record of the diplomatic envoys of the Joseon dynasty, few have investigated their involvement in the history of ceramics. Hence, this study examined the type and the significance of a kiln site of the 17th century and that of the white porcelain unearthed at Shiomi Tamon Yaguradai, Edo-castle and Naniwabetsuin, Osaka, both of which are important historical sites related to diplomatic envoys of the Joseon dynasty in Japan.
White porcelain found at Shiomi Tamon Yaguradai, Edo-castle was thought to be a byproduct of imperial kilns from the second half of 16th century to early 17th century and kilns in Gyeongsangnam-do. Its characters appeared to be similar to those on tea ceremony utensils used as ritual vessels during the first half of the 17th century. They were believed to be either closely related to the Confucian ritual vessels used by the Shogun Tokugawa, during whose reign the commissioning of ritual vessels and ritual ceremonies in Nikkosan reached new heights, or to the white porcelain pots used to present honey to the Shogun as a gift.
Joseon white porcelain found in Naniwabetsuin, Osaka is thought to be from Gyeongsangnam-do and was either brought there by diplomatic envoys as a “ tea bowl" or was possibly used as “ tableware" by envoys in that particular region, as observed in historical records.
Regarding further research in ceramic history, first, an issue remains regarding the chronology of 17th-century white porcelain from Gyeongsangnam-do, which was an area frequented by these diplomatic envoys, and second, there is a need to increase materials based on academic excavations. Regarding the study of diplomatic envoys, the best approach is to perhaps deepen our understanding of ceramics as an essential cultural component that could provide empirical testimonies to a vast amount of historical records. Finally, further research in various fields , including archaeology, art history, and philological studies, could focus on ceramics in relation to these diplomatic envoys.