Beth McKillop, co-author of the newly released reference work Precious Beyond Measure: A History of Korean Ceramics (co-authored with Jane Portal) will introduce SEACS members to the relatively unknown world of Korean ceramics at the society’s upcoming January meeting. This is “the first comprehensive book in English on the history of Korean ceramics in over fifty years,” wrote Rose Kerr, former Keeper of the Far Eastern Department at the V&A, in her glowing review of the work in the Journal of International Ceramic Studies. McKillop is a senior research fellow and former deputy director at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London.
Her talk will focus on the Goryeo, Joseon and modern sections of Jane Portal’s and her work on Korean ceramics — covering the areas and periods where ceramics were produced, the aesthetics and philosophical beliefs that shaped (literally) the types of vessels made, the unique history of Korean ceramics as a domestic-focussed industrial production in pre-modern times, and some of the fascinating historical context to these histories.
About the Speaker:
Beth’s interest in Korean ceramics began when she curated the Samsung Gallery of Korean Art at the V&A in 1992. Later, she continued to work both on the history of books and manuscripts, and on material culture, in China and in Korea. After retiring in 2016 from her position as museum deputy director of the V&A, she had time to complete the introduction to Korean ceramic studies that culminated in her and Jane’s acclaimed work mentioned above.