Pushing boundaries in Korean ceramics

WHEN Korean ceramic artist Lee Hun Chung wanted to make art with a stronger connection to people, he turned from sculpture to furniture.

"Sculpture pieces were only for looking. I wanted to give my works one more way to communicate with people. And the answer was furniture. My ceramic furniture can be used and appreciated," shares one of Korea's foremost contemporary ceramic artists known for reviving traditional techniques.

The robust tradition in Korean ceramics - where each dynasty had a style of their own, such as green celadon and ash-coloured puncheong - provided a good foundation for artists like Lee who are interested in ceramics, but are also keen to innovate.