Precious Beyond Measure - by Beth McKillop & Jane Portal Hardcover

About the Book

"This is a captivating, richly illustrated history of the use of fired clay in Korea, spanning ancient times to the present day. Drawing on the latest research from Korean scholars, 'Precious beyond Measure' features a wide range of examples from archaeological sites and museums. In addition, it offers a rare glimpse into the world of modern North Korean ceramics. Beth McKillop and Jane Portal devote substantial chapters to the refined celadons of the Goryeo and porcelains of the Joseon dynasties from the tenth to the twentieth century, as well as an array of blue-and-white vessels. Merging maritime archaeology, textual evidence and kiln excavation reports, this book engages with Korea's domestic and international spheres in surprising ways. Throughout history, Koreans have cherished their ceramic heritage. This overview reveals a remarkable and enduring tradition."--

Book Synopsis

An illustrated history of Korean ceramics from ancient origins to today.

This book is a captivating, richly illustrated history of fired clay in Korea, spanning ancient times to the present day. Drawing on the latest research, this book features a wide range of examples from archaeological sites and museums. In addition, it offers a rare glimpse into the world of modern North Korean ceramics. The authors devote substantial chapters to the refined celadons of the Goryeo and porcelains of the Joseon dynasties (tenth to twentieth centuries), as well as an array of blue-and-white vessels. Merging maritime archaeology, textual evidence, and kiln excavation reports, this overview reveals a remarkable and enduring ceramic tradition in Korea.

Review Quotes

Shortlisted-- "2025 American Ceramic Circle Book Award"

"Telling the fascinating story of a major but somewhat overlooked East Asian ceramic tradition - Korean ceramics - this book draws upon extensive and up-to-date research materials, and the deep knowledge of its authors, to consider ceramic developments over a comprehensive time frame, from the Neolithic period to the present day. Importantly, and for the first time, the history presented here dedicates a full chapter to the Modern and Contemporary periods, and includes North Korea. Within a chronological framework, a wide range of ceramics are considered from multiple perspectives, including production and design, form and function, archaeology, consumption and distribution, illustrated with multiple color images. While written accessibly, the book synthesizes a vast amount of information, presenting a contextualized, authentic and inclusive history that makes an important contribution to our understanding of Korean ceramics and world ceramic traditions."--Stacey Pierson, University of London

"The first comprehensive book in English on the history of Korean ceramics in over fifty years, Precious beyond Measure incorporates Korean archaeology and scholarship to present an all-round view - a must-read for students and collectors."--Rose Kerr, former Keeper of the Far Eastern Department, Victoria & Albert Museum

"This is the book on Korean ceramics we have been waiting for. It is engaging and it is magisterial. And I love it."--Edmund de Waal

"Portal is one of my history heroes. This is an enchanting study, as beautiful as the objects it describes."--Dan Snow, BBC

About the Author

Beth McKillop is a senior research fellow and former deputy director at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Her publications include North Korean Culture and Society. Jane Portal is Keeper of Asia at the British Museum. Her publications include Arts of Korea--MFA Highlights.