Changes in Baekje pottery of the Ungjin period and its historical background

In this paper, we examine the characteristics and changes of Baekje pottery from the Ungjin period, as well as the Baekje Hansung period and Ungjin period, by focusing on the pottery excavated from Gongsanseong Fortress in Gongju. The Ungjin period saw the emergence of a new royal family by moving the capital to Gongju. In other words, the ruling class expanded, including the forces that helped with the move and the existing local forces of Mahan. Externally, the exchanges expanded to include not only China but also Wa and Gaya, with East Asia as the stage. In this political and social situation, Ungjin period Baekje pottery inherited the Hansung period pottery types such as Samjokgi, Gobae, Wanryu, Gidan, and Jikguho, but also changed in form. Among the Wanryu, Gaebae and Daebuwan were also produced, which were made by imitating Chinese metalware or porcelain. In addition, new types of bottles were developed and many earthenware inkstones were excavated. Therefore, during the Ungjin period of Baekje, Chinese porcelain directly imitated and influenced the flat-bottomed and curved vessels, and the development of the round and flat vessels. In other words, the Ungjin period can be seen as having been directly influenced and imitated by Chinese porcelain, metal vessels, and lacquerware. In addition, the decoration of the base became more elaborate, inkstones developed, and new styles were added to the straight-cut and short-cut vessels. Against this backdrop, efforts were made to establish a new system and stabilize the royal family following the relocation of the capital to Ungjin. In the process, many aspects of China’s political and social system were partially accepted, and this seems to have had an impact on the Ungjin period Baekje pottery. Baekje had various material cultures introduced through early interactions with China. In particular, the changes in Baekje pottery and distribution vessels were greatly influenced by the Chinese urban lifestyle, and reconstructed new styles. In other words, Baekje was able to openly introduce a lot of material culture mainly through exchanges with China, and it can be seen that it formed its own culture.