A one-of-a-kind vase from the Dogabi series by master ceramist Hyung Jun Kim of THR-Ceramics. Wheel-thrown and sculpted in South Korea from white porcelain clay, this piece is finished with glazes that highlight its shape, texture, and surface variations. Both functional and ornamental, it reflects the playful yet powerful spirit of the Dogabi, the goblin of Korean folklore.
WHY IT’S SPECIAL
-
One-of-a-kind: individually hand-thrown, sculpted, and glazed
-
Dogabi mythology: inspired by the goblin figure of Korean folklore, playful and transformative
-
Functional + sculptural: a vase that doubles as a collectible art object
-
Ceramic mastery: created by Hyung Jun Kim with nuanced glazes and textures unique to each piece
-
Heritage craftsmanship: handmade in South Korea, balancing tradition and artistry
DETAILS
-
Size: approx. H 6.18" x Ø 4.52"
-
Material: ceramic, white porcelain clay
-
Method: wheel throwing, sculpting
-
Kiln temperature: 2282°F (oxidation firing) with glaze finish
-
One-of-a-kind handmade piece
STORY
In Korean folklore, the Dogabi (goblin) was believed to wield mysterious powers—appearing in many forms, sometimes bestowing luck, other times punishment. Mischievous yet generous, Dogabis played tricks, frightened with odd faces, and brought abundance with a smile.
By embodying these qualities in clay, Hyung Jun Kim transforms myth into form. Each vase captures a facet of the Dogabi’s expressions—humorous, uncanny, and vibrant—through textures and glazes only ceramics can achieve. Every piece is a singular vision of this timeless character.
THE BRAND
THR-Ceramics has been run by two ceramic artists in South Korea since 2003, creating both functional artworks for daily life and collectible sculptural pieces. Their goal is to make pottery approachable, while celebrating its artistry and cultural significance.
The Dogabi series is the work of Hyung Jun Kim, who earned his MFA in Ceramics at the National University of Technology in Seoul. Inspired by human figures and emotions, Kim embraces serendipity in glaze and texture to craft unusual, expressive finishes. His Dogabi works embody humor, imagination, and fine ceramic tradition.