Lunar Phases: Korean Moon Jars continues the Denver Art Museum's collaboration with the National Museum of Korea (NMK) and other institutions in Korea, inviting visitors to experience the breadth and beauty of Korea’s art and culture.

Lunar Phases explores how the moon jar from Korea’s Joseon dynasty (1392-1897) has evolved into a national artistic icon of Korea and how contemporary artists, both within and beyond Korea, reflect on the moon jar. Moon jars are elegant white globular jars that flourished in Korea during the 17th and 18th centuries, when naturalism and spontaneity became the desired aesthetic. At the same time, the simplicity of their shapes, as well as the ceramic’s unique hue in each of them, have been esteemed and respected in Korea and across the world.

The exhibition traces the artistic phases of the moon jar with 12 exquisite ceramics spanning from the 18th century to the present, each implying a month of the lunar calendar. With 21 objects in total, it also features five paintings, two photographs, one video work, and one installation work, in addition to an interactive mindfulness zone with a touchable moon jar from master ceramicist LEE **** Sik.

Dates: March 2, 2025 - June 8, 2025

Location: Hamilton Building, Level 1

Cost: Included in general admission