AAM 01

Associated with the Joseon dynasty (1392–1910) and made from white-glazed porcelain, moon jars ('dalhangari') are unique to Korea. Essentially spherical, the vessels are admired not only for the technical skill involved in their production but for the beauty bestowed in their imperfections. Very few Joseon moon jars survive today and most of those are in museum collections outside of Korea. Over a number of years, Koo has reunited several of these jars through his photographs. Deliberately photographed to be shadowless, his images present the individuality of each weighty vessel. In this work AAM-1, 2011, Koo photographs in pink hues a singular portrait of moon jar, radiating its subtle beauty along with its delicate flaws. The work’s prosaic title indicates that it is in the collection of the Asian Art Museum (AAM) of San Francisco.