Korean Ceramic work is traced back from the ancient time. Korean traditional ceramics are known for there great resistance, organic balance and deep spiritual resonance. The earliest known Korean pottery dated back during “Jeulmun period” and “Mumun period”. Later the Silla Dynasty marked as golden age of ceramic production with the introduction of Celadon and Stoneware which was heavily influenced by Chinese techniques. The “Goryeo Dynasty” is often regarded as the peak of Korean Ceramic history produce iconic Goryeo Celadon the exquisite green glazed pottery. Then comes the “Joseon dynasty”, where the ceramic wares were considered to represent the highest quality of achievement. This dynasty produced simple yet elegant ceramic designs. The ‘Buncheong ware’ and ‘White Porcelain’ showcase the unique aesthetic of Joseon era. 

Among these forms the iconic Moon vase stands as a timeless symbol of Korean aesthetics. It's soft round silhouette embracing the expression of beauty. The Moon vase is not only an object it's a reflection of stillness and gentleness.

New York based Korea ceramic artist Yoon Hee Kim creates timeless ceramics rooted in Korean heritage inspired by nature and crafted for mindful living. Yoon Hee Kim showcases the first stage of crafting her iconic “Black Moon” jars- each one hand- thrown in premium black porcelain clay. As the founder of ‘Yoon Lab Ceramics’ her timeless limited edition pieces echo the organic textures of the natural world. Before dedicating herself fully into ceramics Kim studied Visual design at the school of Visual  Arts in New York. Her practice balance tradition along with modern minimalism. She creates a deep connection between earth and human, tradition and everyday moments. In this interview we explore about Yoon Hee Kim's work how she redefined traditional Korean ceramic and flourished it in the heart of New York. 

The followings are excerpts from an email interview from February 5- March 4. 

Hello please introduce yourself to our readers

I am Yoon Hee Kim, a New York based ceramic artist deeply rooted in my Korean heritage. My practice is a dedicated exploration of the black porcelain Moon jar reimagined through the lens of nature and mindful living. Each limited edition piece is an exercise in restraint, handcrafted to honor the organic textures of the earth while bridging the gap between ancient tradition and contemporary soul.

What sparked your passion for ceramic & how did your journey as a ceramicist begin?

My journey into ceramics began while I was working as a designer in New York City. At the time, my days were spent entirely in front of a computer screen in an environment that felt fast and constantly stimulated. I was looking for a way to disconnect from that digital intensity.

One day, I signed up for a wheel throwing class with my boyfriend who is now my husband. It was the first time in a long while that I was able to truly stop thinking about work and deadlines. I found myself simply focusing on the clay and the physical sensation of my hands shaping the form.

That experience was deeply meditative because the wheel forced me to be present. If my mind wandered, the clay would immediately respond to my lack of focus. From that moment on, I never stopped.

What inspired you to establish Yoon Lab ceramic in New York and what drew you to build your vision there? 

I was born in Seoul but began living in New York at the age of four. Growing up between two cultures, I was constantly moving back and forth while observing both the differences and the similarities. That dual perspective deeply shaped the way I see the world.

Establishing Yoon Lab Ceramics in New York felt natural to me because it is a city where cultures intersect. I wanted to create a space that bridges my Korean heritage with a global audience. New York became the place where my identity, experience, and artistic vision could finally come together as one.

I chose the name Yoon Lab because I wanted my studio to be a place of discovery. While my work is deeply rooted in traditional Korean heritage, I also wanted to add a modern touch through experiments with ancient techniques. The Lab represents my commitment to testing the boundaries of clay and finding new ways to express traditional forms in a contemporary world.

Your work is rooted in Korean heritage- which traditional Korean ceramic philosophies or techniques influence you the most? 

My work is deeply influenced by the aesthetic philosophy of the Joseon dynasty. The Moon Jar, first developed in the late Joseon dynasty (late 17th to early 18th century), was traditionally made by joining two hemispherical forms to create a large, rounded vessel. Its beauty lies in its natural asymmetry, subtle imbalance, and quiet dignity, qualities that continue to guide my practice.

I am also inspired by Buncheong ware for its expressive surfaces and sense of freedom. Recently, I have been experimenting with Buncheong techniques as I develop a future Moon Jar collection.

Can you tell us about your unique Moon vase? How does the Moon vase reflect Korean heritage and your own style?

The traditional Korean Moon jar is a large white porcelain vessel from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. It is celebrated for its rounded form that resembles a full moon and for a sense of quiet, restrained elegance.

My Moon jars reinterpret this tradition in black porcelain, a choice deeply inspired by the volcanic basalt of Jeju Island. Jeju is my mother’s hometown and a place where I spent several years of my childhood. Those early memories of the island’s unique landscape and raw textures now inform the surface of my work. While the silhouette honors my Korean heritage, the specific depth of color reflects my contemporary voice. It is my way of continuing a living tradition rather than simply replicating the past.

What does timelessness mean to you in the context of Korean craft?

Timelessness is born from a sense of profound restraint. When a piece is balanced and sincere, it does not age. It simply exists. For me, timelessness is not about following a trend or adding ornament. Instead, it is found in the harmony of proportion, the honesty of the material, and a quiet emotional presence that speaks across generations. It is the ability of an object to feel as relevant in a modern New York home as it would have in a traditional Korean setting centuries ago.

Can you work us through your creative process, from concept to finish piece? 

My creative process begins by envisioning the surface of the Moon Jar I want to create, imagining its texture, color, and overall presence. Once the concept becomes clear, I begin an extensive period of research into materials, focusing on how different clays, glazes, and firing temperatures influence the final surface.

For my Black Moon Jar collection, available at yoonlabceramics.com , I was inspired by the deep, matte texture of volcanic basalt I experienced as a child on Jeju Island. To achieve this effect, I spent over a year testing dozens of clay bodies collected from Asia, the United States, and Europe. After a long process of experimentation, I discovered the material combination that best captured the texture I envisioned. Only then do I begin the final handcrafting process.

How does it feel to introduce traditional Korean ceramic to audiences in New York and to expand that cultural heritage through your workshops ?

It feels like sharing a language. Today, many people discover different cultures through hands-on experiences, and ceramics has become one of those meaningful gateways.

What I find most rewarding is that the exchange goes both ways. While I teach traditional Korean wheel throwing techniques, I also learn from my students through their diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and stories. In that moment, the process becomes more than simply making an object. It becomes a genuine cultural dialogue.

Did motherhood influence your ceramic practice? You have created many Korean ceramic pots for your toddler, What inspire that idea, do you see that small pots as a way of passing Korean heritage to the next generation?

Becoming a mother deepened my understanding of life and transformed my sense of time, presence, and purpose. In the first few months after my son was born, I had very limited time to return to the studio. I missed being on the wheel, so I set up a small wheel on our balcony and began throwing small Moon jars while he slept.

Those quiet moments between his naps felt incredibly precious.

 As you continue evolving as an artist, what are you currently exploring, what is your vision for the future of Yoon Lab Ceramics? 

As I continue evolving as an artist, I am exploring new directions alongside my black surface work, including the use of traditional Korean Buncheong techniques and creating larger scale Moon jars. At the same time, I am expanding my teaching practice through specialized workshops focused on Korean traditional wheel throwing. In these workshops, I guide students in building confidence in forming larger vessels through efficient techniques that rely more on rhythm and structure than physical strength.

My vision for Yoon Lab Ceramics is to grow into a global platform that connects people who share a love for clay and a slower, more mindful way of living. Through exhibitions, collaborations, and educational experiences, I hope to continue introducing Korean ceramic heritage within a contemporary context. People can engage with my work not only by collecting my pieces but also by joining my workshops, where they have the opportunity to learn traditional techniques and experience the cultural philosophy behind them.

As we conclude this interview Yoon Hee Kim's ceramics beautifully blend tradition, nature and the timeless beauty of Korean traditional artistry. Her delicate touch and profound connection to the earth make every pieces alive. Her inspiritions and values are deeply rooted in Korean ceramic heritage yet it's vibrantly alive in the present. Her ceramic's become a bridge between the past and the present, and connecting the western world with Asia. Yoon Hee Kim offers workshops where people can learn directely from her, To explore more about her work or her upcoming projects and workshop visit her website(yoonlabceramics.com). We wish her luck for all her future endeavors.