Porcelain ware is pottery fired at high temperatures and covered with a clear glaze. Porcelains began to be made during the Koryŏ period (AD 935-1392), but it was not until the Chosŏn period that the production blossomed. Chosŏn porcelain production can be divided into three periods.

The early period is from the 15th century to the first half of the 17th century. Wares of this time are characterised by their pure and simple elegance. Many pieces are undecorated and they represent Confucian ideas of austerity. The quality of these pure white, undecorated porcelains was so high that they were sent to the Chinese court as gifts. Some wares were decorated with cobalt blue, which was imported from China at high expense.

The middle period dates from the mid-17th century to the mid-18th century. At this time local, rather than foreign patterns, were used on ceramics. This resulted in a distinctively Korean style. The third period is from the late 18th century to the late 19th century. Ceramics made during this period are normally quite thick and solid and are glazed with pale bluish tones.