[Korea Root] Gwangju (廣州), the Home of Joseon White Porcelain... 'Sahongwon (司饔院) Branch'

Mountain with abundant Baekto (white soil) and dense trees, close to Hangang River offering transport advantages
Branch office established for direct national production and distribution management

[Asia Economy Reporter La Young-cheol] The city of Gwangju in Gyeonggi Province has identified the branch of the Joseon Dynasty’s government-operated pottery manufacturing site, 'Saongwon (司饔院),' as a competitive asset to boost economic vitality and added value based on ceramic culture.

In an interview with this publication, Shin Dong-heon, mayor of Gwangju, proudly stated, "Gwangju is the hometown of Joseon royal white porcelain (Baekja), and as a ceramic mecca, potters still devote their spirit to their works to continue the old fame."

According to the Gyeonggi Province historical records, the installation period of the Saongwon branch in Gwangju varies slightly depending on historical researchers, but the upper limit is roughly estimated to be the 1430s or the late 1460s.

In particular, the porcelain made at the branch was used as official ware (Gwan-eoyong, 官御用) for the royal family and state ceremonies and could not be owned or traded by individuals.

This article explores the historical background and reasons for establishing the ceramic manufacturing site in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, and how it was operated. [Editor's note]

◈ Series order

① Establishment of the 'Pottery Manufacturing Site (官營沙器製造場)' Branch

② Porcelain Office (Jagi-so, 瓷器所) and Potters (Dogong, 陶工)

③ Crisis of the Porcelain Office and the Sorrows of Potters

① Establishment of the 'Pottery Manufacturing Site (官營沙器製造場)' Branch

Gwangju Sahongwon Branch White Porcelain Museum [Gwangju City]

According to Gyeonggi Province historical records, before establishing the 'Saongwon (司饔院)' branch in Gwangju, the Joseon court had already set up a porcelain office (Jagi-so) with official kiln functions in Gwangju. It is understood that this office was solely responsible for manufacturing porcelain used by the royal family at that time.

Records from ceramic masters indicate that Gwangju was the optimal location for establishing a state-operated ceramic manufacturing site.

High-quality white clay (Baekto, 白土) necessary for producing fine ceramics was abundantly mined there, and the nearby densely forested mountains made it easy to supply firewood essential for kiln operations.

Moreover, its proximity to the capital Hanyang (Seoul) and location along the Han River provided the advantage of relatively easy transportation of raw materials and finished porcelain products via waterways.

Saongwon dispatched one Beonjogwan (a rank 8 official in charge of supervising earthenware and pottery production during the Joseon Dynasty) to the Gwangju branch to oversee the operation and management of the pottery site. Under him, 20 staff members (Wonyeok, 員役) were assigned to handle day-to-day management tasks.

Bunwon White Porcelain Artifact [Gwangju City]

The pottery manufacturing site in Hanyang was, in principle, staffed with 380 potters. However, the number fluctuated depending on the era. Sometimes it was below the prescribed number, but at times, including laborers, it reached up to 530 people.

The branch pottery manufacturing site itself was essentially a separate village with its own scale and infrastructure.

In the early Joseon period, the court shifted the procurement method of official porcelain from the traditional tribute system to direct state production and distribution management, resulting in the establishment of the branch.

Porcelain produced under the tribute system varied in size, pattern, and quality, limiting its use as high-grade ware. It also posed problems for ceremonial vessels, which required strict formality in shape, color, and patterns.

Joseon society highly valued rituals in all state affairs and daily life. Because of the need to continuously secure porcelain with proper formality and quality, the central Saongwon directly managed a porcelain manufacturing site in the Gwangju area.

Gwangju Gonjiam Ceramic Park [Gwangju City]

At this time, preference for ceramics was transitioning from celadon to white porcelain (Baekja). The clear, simple, and elegant white porcelain satisfied the tastes of the yangban (aristocratic class) who wished to maintain a certain distance from ostentation.

White porcelain, which aligned with Confucian governance ideals emphasizing propriety (Ye, 禮), righteousness (Ui, 義), moral principles, and legitimacy, became a kind of ideological expression tool.

King Seongjong (reigned 1469?1494) bestowed white porcelain wine cups to the Seungjeongwon (Royal Secretariat) and left a remark supporting this aspiration.

When the king bestowed white porcelain wine cups to the Seungjeongwon, he said, "These wine cups are clear and flawless, so when wine is poured, all dust and residue are visible. If this is likened to a person, it means being perfectly fair and just without a single fault, making it impossible to tolerate any wrongdoing." 『Annals of Seongjong』 Volume 260, Year 22 of Seongjong (1491), December 7

Bunwon Baekja Museum [Gwangju City]

Records show that a large quantity of white porcelain was also needed for entertaining Chinese envoys and as tribute goods. On the other hand, early Joseon policies generally prohibited the use of gold or silver vessels except for royal and state ceremonies, which increased the demand for white porcelain.

From the early days of the Joseon state, gold and silver had to be sent as tribute to the Ming Dynasty, so their use was restricted. Copper, the raw material for brassware, was also difficult to secure, making porcelain the preferred material.

These practical conditions, combined with the ruling class’s ideological orientation and tastes, led to a rapid increase in demand for white porcelain. This was another factor that led to the establishment of a porcelain manufacturing site operated by a central government office.