Korean pottery and its unique designs became known worldwide during the Goryeo Dynasty. Celadon is often used to create beautiful jade-colored pottery with inlaid designs of soft black and white colors. Celadon pottery is a classic traditional style, while newer modern pottery designs make use of white ceramics.
The shiny, prismatic lining of the inner part of abalone shells have been used by Korean artists for centuries. Tiny fragments of the inner part of the shells are arranged into beautiful designs and sealed on a solid-colored surface. Although not truly a pearl, these "mother of pearl" designs are still commonly found on furniture and jewelry boxes today.
Koreans have been creating unique sculptures and woodwork for centuries. Originally, wood was the preferred material for sculptures, and many Buddha statues, knickknacks and ornamental figures were carved as a result. However, many of the older and larger wooden sculptures did not survive the many invasions on the Korean peninsula. As a result, more stone and bronze sculptures appeared. Today, artists and craftsmen have reverted back to woodwork sculptures, which can be purchased as souvenirs throughout Korea.
Korean paintings fall under countless categories and genre. Landscapes, plant life and scenes of ordinary people doing everyday activities are the most popular subjects for paintings. Traditional styles are duller and monochromatic in color, but post-World War II paintings have adapted to the brighter Western color styles. Korean calligraphy often accompanies images in watercolor paintings but is also sometimes used as the subject of a painting by itself.