covered vessel

김익영/金益寧 Kim Yik-yung, artist

born 1935

covered vessel, 2004

Where object was made: Korea

Material/technique: ceramic; glaze

Dimensions:
Object Height/Width/Depth (Height x Width x Depth): 25.5 x 30 x 27 cm
Object Height/Width/Depth (Height x Width x Depth): 10 1/16 x 11 13/16 x 10 5/8 in

Credit line: Gift of Kang Collection Korean Art, NYC

Accession number: 2008.0281.a,b

On display: Lee Study Center

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Label texts

Form & Flux: Contemporary East Asian Ceramics and Surface Stories

Kim Yik Yung's Covered Vessel reinterprets Joseon period (1392–1897) ritual vessels with a modern, sculptural approach. Influenced by the minimalistic forms of Joseon porcelain, her metallic black glaze recalls ancient Chinese ritual bronzes. Using a knife to slice pliable porcelain, she imparts a structured texture to the soft material. Kim merges traditional forms with contemporary design, creating bold, faceted vessels that balance clarity and simplicity. Her work bridges Korea’s historical ceramics with modern expressions, gaining international acclaim.

Forms of Thought

Kim Yik-yung’s vessel is a modern reinterpretation of ritual vessels from the Joseon period (1392–1910). While Joseon ritual porcelains inspired Kim’s minimalistic approach to shaping vessels, her metallic black glazing echoes ancient Chinese ritual bronze vessels. By slicing pliable porcelain with a knife, Kim imparts a structured, architectonic texture to this otherwise soft material.

Forms of Thought

Kim Yik Yung’s Covered Vessel is a modern reinterpretation of ritual vessels from the Joseon period (1392-1910). While Joseon ritual porcelains inspired Kim’s minimalistic approach to shaping vessels, her metallic black glazing echoes ancient Chinese ritual bronze vessels. By slicing pliable porcelain with a knife, Kim imparts a structured, architectonic texture to this otherwise soft material.

Forms of Thought

Exhibition Label:
“Textures of Interpretation: Meaning and Materiality in Global Contemporary Art," Jan-2010, Sooa Im
Kim Yik Yung’s Covered Vessel is a modern reinterpretation of ritual vessels from the Joseon period (1392-1910). While Joseon ritual porcelains inspired Kim’s minimalistic approach to shaping vessels, her metallic black glazing echoes ancient Chinese ritual bronze vessels. By slicing pliable porcelain with a knife, Kim imparts a structured, architectonic texture to this otherwise soft material.