On the morning of the 28th, photographer Heejin Yang captured a series of moon jars lined up at a studio in Sinjeong-dong, Seoul. The arrangement of the jars appeared to depict the waxing and waning phases of the moon. Special thanks to private collectors Hwayeong Lee(이화영) and Jaeyoung Shin(신재영) and Saebom Bang(방새봄) for providing the moon jars.
July 28, 2025. ©Photo by The Tracker / Reporter Baekhyang Lim.
On the morning of the 28th, photographer Heejin Yang captured a series of moon jars lined up at a studio in Sinjeong-dong, Seoul. The arrangement of the jars appeared to depict the waxing and waning phases of the moon. Special thanks to private collectors Hwayeong Lee(이화영) and Jaeyoung Shin(신재영) and Saebom Bang(방새봄) for providing the moon jars.
July 28, 2025. ©Photo by The Tracker / Reporter Baekhyang Lim.
On the morning of the 28th, photographer Heejin Yang captured a series of moon jars lined up at a studio in Sinjeong-dong, Seoul. The arrangement of the jars appeared to depict the waxing and waning phases of the moon. Special thanks to private collectors Hwayeong Lee(이화영) and Jaeyoung Shin(신재영) and Saebom Bang(방새봄) for providing the moon jars.
July 28, 2025. ©Photo by The Tracker / Reporter Baekhyang Lim.
On the morning of the 28th, photographer Heejin Yang captured a series of moon jars lined up at a studio in Sinjeong-dong, Seoul. The arrangement of the jars appeared to depict the waxing and waning phases of the moon. Special thanks to private collectors Hwayeong Lee(이화영) and Jaeyoung Shin(신재영) and Saebom Bang(방새봄) for providing the moon jars.
July 28, 2025. ©Photo by The Tracker / Reporter Baekhyang Lim.
The Tracker = Reporter Baekhyang Lim.
At 11 a.m. on the 28th, photographer Heejin Yang(양희진) captured images of a large white porcelain moon jar in the basement level of the "Studio" on Omok-ro, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul. The shoot centered around the theme of “Dalmeong,” a coined term that combines “moon jar(dalhangari)” and “meong(the act of zoning out for healing)”, referring to the calming experience of gazing at a moon jar.
Despite being a two-dimensional image displayed on a digital camera screen, the moon jar exuded a strong three-dimensional presence—so vivid it felt as if it might pop out of the screen at any moment. The surface textures appeared so lifelike that the jar seemed almost tangible.
The main subject of the day’s shoot was a piece by master ceramic artist Noh Youngjae(미강 노영재), also known by his professional title "Migang." Roh was awarded the top prize in the ceramics category at the Korea Annual Traditional Handicraft Art Exhibition, a prestigious competition among Korea’s Intangible Cultural Heritage holders. His moon jars are recognized as being of such cultural significance that the Korea Heritage Service(Cultural Heritage Administration) has personally acquired them.
For this project, Yang traveled across the country in search of renowned moon jars. The pieces brought into the studio reflect various periods and the distinct touches of different artisans. Yang plans to recreate the abundance and aesthetic of the moon jar on hanji(traditional Korean paper) and canvas.
“The moon jar is a form that most purely embodies the humble yet refined beauty of Korea,” Yang explained. “Its rounded surfaces and subtle curves evoke lines that express the essence of Eastern natural beauty.”
He added, “When you look at a moon jar, it brings a quiet comfort—as if it’s soothing the deep wounds of your heart, allowing you to step away from the noise of the world.”