Korean Earthenware Onggi Side Plate, 2 Sizes

Meet the Korean Earthenware Onggi Side Plates 2 sizes, wheel-thrown by potters of Jingkwang Onggi in Boseong-gun, Jeollanam-do, South Korea.  The plate takes its form from the Cheongdanji, one of the traditional Korean earthenware jars that were used to hold honey. Highly versatile as an accent piece on the dining table and also great for use as a side plate. Onggi is known to have a 'breathing' capability because its porous clay body allows air to circulate while remaining waterproof.  Its "breathing" capability provides a natural and effective environment for preserving and fermenting food, a tradition deeply rooted in Korean culture and cuisine.  Dimensions: Small: opening Φ 4.5" (11.5cm) x H 1.6" (4cm) Medium: opening Φ 5.5" (14cm) x H 2" (5cm) *The shape and proportions remain the same between the two sizes. About Onggi: Onggi, or Korean “earthenware jars”, are made from clay and sand. When fired in a kiln, the vessel is left with microscopic pores.  These holes allow for breathing, yet the end result is still water-tight, making onggi ideal for fermentation. The glaze on the exterior of the onggi is made of wood and grass ash mixed with soil and once applied, onggi is fired in the kiln once again. The science behind the firing sequence and the combination of the natural materials has been perfected over thousands of years. About Jingkwang: In the early 1980's, Jingkwang Onggi built its Onggi-mak and kiln in Boseong in order to revive and maintain the tradition of onggi making. By 1996, Jingkwang won the Prime Minister's Award at the Traditional Crafts Competition for its onngi, and in 2006, its Yeonbong onngi jar was designated as a beautiful handcraft by UNESCO in North East Asia. Onggi-mak (meaning earthen house) was built in 1981 in keeping with the tradition of building walls with yellow clay and the thatched roof made from straw. The earthen house's natural temperature control allows it to remain cool in the summer and warm in the wintertime, thus perfect for making and drying onggi. All Jingkwang onggi's are crafted in Onggi-mak. All Jingkwang onggi pieces are handcrafted and coated with natural glaze made of using wood and grass ashes mixed with soil, and fired in the kiln at 1230 celsius.