It has long been of interest to many scholars to investigate the date of the establishment of the royal kiln in the Joseon Dynasty. Despite the profound interest in ascertaining this date, only hypotheses could be made from different perspectives, as there is neither an authentic historical record nor remains that allude to the date. It has been, hence, thought to be either in the fifteenth or in the sixteenth century. However, recently we have narrowed down the date to between 1467 and 1469 based on the interpretation and examination of historical records. There, however, still remains a possibility for another interpretation of the record suggesting a different date.
This paper investigates the royal kiln in Gwangju during the early period of the Joseon Dynasty focusing on the time, name, and administrator of naesi (內侍) and beonjogwan (燔造官). After having examined the formerly asserted theories and problems concerning the date of the first-built royal kiln, I have concluded that the royal kiln was built in Gwangju in approximately June 1466. This deduction is based on the prohibition of government and private use of porcelain, the discontinuance of the existing tributary system, the strict control of kaolin producing areas, the supervision of related affairs by Gongjo (工曹), and the completion of the first stage of Gyeongguk- daejeon (經國大典, National Administration Code) compilation at this time. I also came to understand that the establishment of the royal kiln is closely related to the rapid changes in the numbers of local kilns.
Additionally, I ascertained that the royal kiln in Gwangju during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries were called sagiso (沙器所), and not bunwon (分院). It was also found that sagiso was supervised by the beonjogwan, but before the royal kiln was built the production of porcelains for the royal court was administered by naesi. This production system had already been in practice since the late Goryeo Dynasty, and it continued until the early Joseon Dynasty with no particular changes. Later in April 1467 nokgwan (祿官, paid official) was appointed to the Saongwon (司饔院). I, however, judged that the phrase “nokgwan was appointed for the first time”alone cannot verify that the royal kiln was built and begun its operation, presenting issues such as naesi, beonjogwan and wood market for the royal kiln to support my assertion.
The establishment of the royal kiln led to significant changes in the ceramic history of the Joseon Dynasty. It laid a cornerstone in the royal kiln operations of the Joseon Dynasty whose systemic structure was organized by the state. Moreover, it served as a milestone in achieving a higher standard of porcelain culture through developing the royal court’s whiteware, porcelain. This paper examines the establishment period of the first royal kiln and its administrator, and it aims to contribute to understanding and unveiling the identity of the royal kiln in the early period of the Joseon Dynasty.