Kuwentong Bangtan: Kim Namjoon and the White Porcelain Vase

Apologies and rectifications are in order.

A few days ago, last Friday, Dec.6 to be exact, I posted on my FB wall and Threads a screenshot of Joon’s profile photo on IG with my notes on kintsugi. It earned some engagements including corrections. And yes, I admit my mistake in the thread.

What I appreciated the most was the manner in which I received the correction. It was decent and kind.

How refreshing.

Following links and using image search, I have gained a deeper understanding of the vase in question as well as the online behavior of friends and fans, and my own, too. No one is exempt. No one is beyond learning and growth.

And now, for the vase.

As pointed out, the golden brown design is a rope; an underglaze on porcelain. Ah, white clay.

I have only used white clay and Japanese clay for hand building three times because stoneware is more common where I live. It costs higher, besides. Compared to stoneware, white clay is smoother, more elastic and supple. When glazed and fired on a higher temperature, the finished product is sturdier and shinier. More brilliant.

The Joseon vase, it’s a bottle, actually - as curated by the National Museum of Korea, is simple, elegant and astute. It is the rope design that makes the art piece compelling. While the porcelain stands like a Joseon nobility, the golden brown rope tethers it to the ground. It conveys being tied to something or to someone. A connection to one’s roots or heritage. An expression of loyalty. A bond. A devotion. Isn’t this sublime?

And in this, the vase mirrors Kim Namjoon himself—steadfast and grounded, yet luminous in his brilliance, embodying the kind of leadership that ties people together with wisdom, humility, and an unwavering devotion to both heritage and growth.

Namjooning at the Ayala Museum

I was in Makati for a follow up checkup yesterday and there was a window of opportunity to swing by the Ayala Museum for a few hours of #Namjooning. I got a 50% discount using my faculty ID so, I took my time enjoying the Ceramic exhibit.

As a hobbyist potter, I swelled with pride to find myself engaged in a centuries old tradition and way of life. Modern pottery has changed tremendously nonetheless, I see some aspects of the technology being practiced to this day. Moving on to the weaving and indigenous textile exhibit, spurned my growing interest in local and indigenous clothing.

The real reason I willed myself to go to The Ayala Museum was the Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan exhibit. It is a yearly event that INKies stage and execute during National Children's Book season. Amazing! It is still up until July 28, 2024 so, head on to the museum. This is free so, have a look at the current crop of artists designing and illustrating books for children.

The guards and invigilators are so friendly, they are willing to take your photos. I had my photo taken beside Onyok, Ang Mahiyaing Manok and the Ang INK Exhibit banner. This one is for you, Totet!

Happy National Children’s Book Day!