Ulleungdo Through Gyeomjae’s Eyes IIMemory of the Volcano

The essence of Ulleungdo lies in the material of a volcanic island and the singular landscape carved into it. Borrowing the eyes of Gyeomjae Jeong Seon (1676–1759) — the Joseon-dynasty painter celebrated for his true-view landscapes, who never painted Ulleungdo — this work depicts the island’s landmark scenery in iron pigment alone, honouring the purity of traditional cheolhwa (iron-painted) ceramics.

The outside of each vessel is left rough to recall volcanic rock, while the inside holds impressions of the real landscape, giving form to the island’s memory. Each piece works as everyday tableware, yet the brushwork on its surface opens it into a painted landscape.

The central tray takes the pentagonal outline of Ulleungdo seen from above. Bold iron brushstrokes trace the currents and depth of the surrounding sea, and the shape of Dokdo is added in white slip, bringing together the geographical and historical bond between the two islands.

Where Part I reinterpreted the theme in a contemporary way, Part II concentrates on the authenticity of material and technique to reveal the island’s elemental force — a work that speaks of both tradition and place, and of ceramics’ capacity to hold the essence of nature.