Korean Buncheong Tea Cup

A hand-thrown buncheong tea cup by Korean ceramic artist Hunseong Jang, combining a simple, balanced form with the expressive surface qualities characteristic of Korea’s buncheong tradition.

The cup is formed from dark stoneware clay and finished with a creamy white slip, allowing subtle traces of the underlying clay, throwing lines, and natural iron speckling to remain visible. In the buncheong technique, a layer of white slip is applied over a darker clay body before glazing and firing.

Here, the soft ivory body contrasts beautifully with the exposed dark clay at the foot, while the gently flared rim and slight irregularities give each angle a distinctly handmade character. The restrained palette and tactile finish embody the quiet spontaneity and natural beauty for which buncheong ware is admired.

Designed for tea but equally compelling as a small sculptural object, this cup brings together traditional Korean ceramic practice and a contemporary, understated sensibility.

Jang’s potter’s mark is impressed into the underside of the cup, providing a discreet signature to the piece.

Dimensions: ⌀ 3 x H 1.75"; holds 85ml

Glazed ceramic. Food-safe. 

Handcrafted in Korea.

About Hunseong Jang: Hun Seong Jang is based in Icheon, South Korea where he owns his own ceramic studio. He studied Korean and Japanese ceramics for many years in search of Korean-ness. He specializes in making Korean buncheong ware.

About Buncheong ware: Buncheong ceramics emerged in Korea at the end of the 14th century from the tradition of inlaid celadon of the late Goryeo period (918–1392). In contrast to the refined elegance of Goryeo celadon, buncheong feels natural, unassuming and even rustic. However, in the 16th century, due to the Imjin war, Korean potters were taken to Japan, where they started to influence Japanese ceramics especially for use in Japanese tea ceremonies. In Japan, Buncheong came to be known as Kohiki.