Choson Dynasty

1392-1910

The rulers of the Yi, or Choson, dynasty (1392-1910) adopted Confucianism as their governing ideology and withdrew official support for Buddhism. During their reign, Confucianism's conservative ethics and values dominated Korea's social structure and attitudes. Like their Chinese counterparts, Korean scholars practiced the twin arts of calligraphy and painting. Rejecting the opulence of the previous Koryo dynasty, Yi potters made a coarse, informally decorated ware known as Punch'ong. Simple white porcelains, inspired by the Chinese, also became popular during the early centuries of the Yi dynasty, and by the mid-15th century, white porcelains with blue, brown, and red designs began to be produced as well. Unlike Chinese porcelains, however, Korean ceramics are known for their vigorous painting styles and whimsical designs.