Jong-Min Lee

When seen from a distance, this Korean artist’s porcelain vases evoke the mysterious simplicity characteristic of ceramics created in the Joseon Dynasty (1393–1910). A closer look reveals delicate ornamental patterns on their surfaces, inspired by the potter’s observing nature, such as trees and leaves moving in the wind, small waves breaking on the seashore or calmly flowing waters. Jong-Min Lee wants the beholder to be “profoundly fascinated” by this second level of contemplative insight. The crafting process is extremely time-consuming. After wheel-throwing his vases and allowing them to dry, he accurately carves the patterns into the surfaces in the course of weeks or even months. Only then does he apply the glazes and fires the vessels in the kiln. Divested of any functionality due to their distinctly narrow openings, his vases present themselves as genuine art objects. This artist also attaches great importance to handcrafting them entirely by himself.