색채문화와 한·중의 붉은색 도자기 연구

Abstract

The fundamental and universal definition of color is not fixed, transcending history and culture. The reason why colors have diverse and broad definition is because it has been used to carry diverse symbolisms as colors are variously applied in the lives of people. For instance, the color white is a symbol of purity and at times, also represents the ideology of the physical body. Likewise, black carries a negative image, and at the same time, is used to express luxury. In the ancient times of the western world, blue was an unpleasant color, but in the modern world, it is loved by people all around the world. As such, the meanings of colors have continuously undergone changes according to culture and era. The color red is a symbol of wealth in some period of time and place, but it is also a color that represents misfortune. Pottery comes in various colors. Oftentimes, people use the idiomatic expression ‘drawing on a white canvas’. However, when one takes a look at the Chinese characters of the expression, it does not signify the color white, but rather refers to ‘colorless.’ Figuratively, the white color of the canvas can be the color of the ingredients in making pottery. Initially, pottery was done by putting on fine and white refined clay on rough clay, but as pottery skills developed overtime, the tastes of the upper class were satisfied though the production of jade-colored and white-colored porcelains. In the process, color red was used simply as part of a pattern, and also appeared on all faces of the pottery. Since then until now, red has been developed into a color widely used in pottery. This paper researched on Korean and Chinese pottery, in relation to colors and culture, with emphasis on the use of red colors in pottery.