Some 217 pieces of Goryeo celadon that were found underwater along Korean shores will soon be on display in Osaka.

The “Newly Discovered Goryeo Celadon and the Achievements of Underwater Archaeology in Korea” exhibition will take place at the Museum of Oriental Ceramics in Osaka from Sept. 5 to Nov. 23 in celebration of the 70th anniversary of Korean independence and the 50th anniversary of the Korea-Japan diplomatic relationship.

The exhibition is the first time artifacts that have been discovered underwater in Korea over the past 40 years will be introduced to international audiences. It will focus on Goryeo celadon, ancient ceramic works through which people can take a look into the culture and lifestyle of Goryeo times (918-1392).

 The 'Newly Discovered Goryeo Celadon and the Achievements of Underwater Archaeology in Korea' exhibition is held at the Museum of Oriental Ceramics in Osaka beginning on Sept. 5.

The ‘Newly Discovered Goryeo Celadon and the Achievements of Underwater Archaeology in Korea’ exhibition is held at the Museum of Oriental Ceramics in Osaka beginning on Sept. 5.

The Goryeo celadon specimens on display in Osaka were found in ancient sunken ships ranging from the Sinan, discovered in 1976, to the craft excavated near southwestern Jindo Island last year. Out of the 14 ancient ships discovered underwater along Korean shores so far, 10 are from the Goryeo period. Many pieces of Goryeo celadon have been found onboard the sunken vessels. Goryeo celadon has not only high artistic value, but also shows Goryeo lifestyle and culture. They remain some of the most valuable underwater artifacts that can be found in museums today.

The exhibition will cover the history of Goryeo celadon from its beginnings, through its golden age and until its decline. A plum blossom vase, or maebyeong vase, with an inlaid pattern of chrysanthemum, peony and bamboo, as well as another vase with engravings of lotus flowers and branches, both of which were found onboard the Mado No. 2 excavated in Taean-gun Country, Chungcheongnam-do Province (South Chungcheong Province), will be on display for the first time in Japan.

A plum blossom vase with inlaid chrysanthemums, peonies and bamboo (left) and another plum blossom vase engraved with lotus flowers and branches will be shown at the Museum of Oriental Ceramics in Osaka from Sept. 5 to Nov. 23.

A plum blossom vase with inlaid chrysanthemums, peonies and bamboo (left) and another plum blossom vase engraved with lotus flowers and branches will be shown at the Museum of Oriental Ceramics in Osaka from Sept. 5 to Nov. 23.

The Korean consulate in Osaka and the Busan National Gugak Center will hold traditional gugak musical performances and other events at the Museum of Oriental Ceramics in Osaka on Sept. 4, a day before the opening.

By Limb Jae-un
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photos courtesy of the Cultural Heritage Administration
jun2@korea.kr

 The 'Newly Discovered Goryeo Celadon and the Achievements of Underwater Archaeology in Korea' exhibit is taking place at the Museum of Oriental Ceramics in Osaka starting this September.

The ‘Newly Discovered Goryeo Celadon and the Achievements of Underwater Archaeology in Korea’ exhibit is taking place at the Museum of Oriental Ceramics in Osaka starting this September.