조선 전·중기 강원지역 요업의 성격과 도자 소비현황- 가마터와 명문자기를 중심으로 -

Abstract

Only white porcelain for tribute was originally produced in the Yanggu area in the early Joseon period. Then after the Royal Kilns of the Joseon Dynasty came to be established, this area acted to supply white clay to these Royal Kilns and its kilns produced white porcelain meant for civilian consumption. At first, the civilian white porcelain from the Yanggu kilns was more heavily consumed in neighboring regions, such as Chuncheon. This can be seen in the nature of white porcelain excavated from consumption sites in the Chuncheon area. As many workers were mobilized in the production of white clay in the Yanggu region (which did not have a large population to begin with), there was a concomitant decrease in the number of workers involved in ceramic production. This can be seen in the fact that fewer kilns were in operation in the 16th century compared to the 15th century. Written records confirm that from 1636, the Wonju area replaced Yanggu in supplying the Royal Kilns with white clay. However, it appears that this did not lead to a significant increase in the production of white porcelain in the Yanggu area, as is evidenced by the number of kiln sites. On the other hand, the kilns of the Wonju area did not produce white porcelain for tribute but instead manufactured civilian white porcelain according to the needs of the area’s population. Around 1687, the source of white clay for the Royal Kilns was changed back to Yanggu. As a result, white clay became relatively abundant in the Wonju area, leading to an increase in both the quality and quantity of civilian white porcelain produced in this area. As Wonju housed the government offices of the Gangwon region, its inhabitants were of diverse status. The varying consumer groups also used white porcelain produced outside of the Gangwon region. This is proven by excavated artifacts, such as the chair with a dragon moitf, the white porcelains engraved with ‘戌○’ inscription, and buncheong ware with fish decorations. Thus, it can be said that despite there being no difference in the quality of clay and firewood, a difference between Yanggu and Wonju in the pattern of kiln distribution in the production of white porcelain emerged due to differences in the nature of consumer groups.