The Koreans adopted stoneware and porcelain production methods from China, but they imbued their ceramic wares with distinctly Korean aesthetics of spontaneity and vigour, in which they achieved unparalleled mastery. Although some types of ceramics of world reputation have become known as Chinese or Japanese ware, their origins may be found in Korea’s many ceramic kilns. This is especially marked in the case of the greenish stoneware jewelled celadons dating from the 11th to the 14th centuries.
With other kinds of ceramic ware, the Koreans were able to preserve the secrets of production for themselves. In terms of quality and beauty, buncheong ware, which is typically decorated with incised designs, inlaid or painted patterns in brownish iron-oxides, is a creative accomplishment unmatched in the world. The austere and plain beauty of white baekja porcelain reflects the refined tastes of Confucian-minded aristocracy of the late Joseon period. All these types of pottery can be examined in the exhibition room designed to resemble the Korean peninsula.
The second hall examines the spiritual world of the Korean people. In the medieval Goryeo period (which gave Korea its name), Korea was under the sway of the profound Buddhist faith and subsequently, during the Joseon era, under the influence of orthodox Neo-Confucianism. The ritual bronze objects on display attest to Buddhism’s enormous impact on the peninsula: there are three mirrors and a bell dating from the 11th century, a Buddhist statue dating from the 8th century, as well as Buddhist ritual vessels and a large coloured painting of Buddhist icons. During the 500-year reign of the Joseon dynasty, the lofty ideals of Confucianism were pursued by a sizeable social class, the yangban. The world in which these state officials lived is presented 
to visitors through their official attire and examples of the writing utensils and furnishings typically found in their studies. This section of the exhibition is therefore largely devoted to artefacts made of metals, textiles, wood and paper. All paintings on view come from the National Gallery’s own collections.
The Art of Korea exhibition is accompanied by a number of lectures, film projections, photography exhibitions, workshops etc.
Curator of the exhibition is Helena Honcoopová, Director of the Collection of Oriental Art of the National Gallery in Prague