Celadon is a type of ceramic ware covered with a glaze containing a very small amount of iron and fired to a high temperature to produce a blue-green color. Celadon has a rich, enduring history: it originated in China in the second century and later spread to Korea, Japan, and eventually around the world, evolving through various developments and refinements. Celadon has played a significant role in the history of East Asian ceramics. Its beauty has become a source of admiration as well as a symbol of power and wealth.
The compelling charm of celadon lies in the unparalleled beauty of the glaze color, which can subtly change depending on various conditions, including the kiln environment and the color of the clay body. Such variations contribute to the rich and diverse expressions found in celadon ware.
In China, various terms were used to express the beauty of celadon. The Tang writer Lu Yu praised celadon in his monograph Chajing (The Classic of Tea), describing it as leiyu (like jade) and leibing (like ice). The Tang poet Lu Guimeng celebrated the exquisite mise (secret color) of the Yue celadon glaze in his poem Mise Yueqi (Secret Color Yue Ware), depicting it as if the green hues were drawn from the trees of the mountains. Meanwhile, Goryeo celadon from the Korean Peninsula was called bisaek (jade-green color), and people admired its beauty. One widely accepted theory about the origin of the term “celadon” used in Western countries is that it was taken from the name of a character in a seventeenth-century French novel who wore a bluish-green garment.
This exhibition showcases the masterpieces of Chinese and Korean celadon as well as Japanese and modern celadon works selected from the MOCO Collection. We hope you enjoy the charm and significance of this remarkable achievement in the history of East Asian ceramics.
Please do not miss not only the permanent exhibition but also the special displays featuring signature works from the MOCO Collection. Additionally, in the exhibition galleries, you will spot the works selected for “The Treasures of Osaka—20 Selected Treasures from the MOCO Collection,” a project organized in commemoration of hosting the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.
Information about the Exhibition
〈Dates〉
Saturday, April 19, 2025-Monday, November 24, 2025
Closed Mondays (except February 24, May 5) and February 25 and May 7.
〈Closed days〉
①Mondays
*OPEN on April 28, and national holidays (May 5, July 21, August 11, September 15, October 13, and November 3)
②The following Tuesdays: May 7, July 22, September 16, October 14, and November 4
*OPEN on August 12
〈Organized by〉
The Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka
〈In collaboration with〉
Sankei Shimbun Co., Ltd.
