A 900-year-old pattern, reduced to 10 centimetres. Still immediately recognisable as Korean.
Artist Kim Tae-san (김태산) selected patterns from three of Korea's most significant Goryeo Celadon (청자) artifacts — including National Treasure No. 68 — and reinterpreted them for an absorbent ceramic coaster that performs daily, practical work. The body is high-fired absorbent ceramic, effective at managing condensation and odour, with a cork base for stability. The imagery draws from the peony scroll, the cloud-and-crane, and the horseback cup — each carrying distinct symbolic weight in Korea's heritage ceramics lineage. Kim Tae-san's work has been recognised by the KCDF Craft Distribution Shop and the National Museum Product Contest.
Set beside a ceramic mug on a pale timber desk — the Goryeo pattern holds its own against contemporary objects without effort. At a low tea table during a quiet afternoon, the coaster becomes part of the ritual rather than incidental to it. Gifted singly or in multiples, each design stands alone, and together they form a small survey of Goryeo craft heritage.
Three pattern options. Each one a national treasure made usable. Made in Korea by Kim Tae-san.