This part of the collection comprises a variety of ceramic objects from the Three Kingdoms period with a majority originating from the Silla Kingdom. Pottery of the Three Kingdoms period is characterized by important technological advancements and strong local distinctions. Most significantly, this period sees the beginning of high-fired stoneware production in Korea. Fired in tunnel-shaped climbing kilns at temperatures over 1000ºC, these wares usually have a grey colour and are sometimes covered with an accidental ash glaze.
Pottery from the Kingdom of Goguryeo shows Chinese influences, due to its vicinity to China and the presence of the Han military commanderies on the Peninsula. Goguryeo produced high-fired and low-fired pottery, characteristically round vessels with a flat bottom and attached handles. Glazed wares and roof-tiles with lotus designs (see No. ) were also made during this period.
Reflecting its vibrant exchange with nearby regions and countries, the Kingdom of Baekje developed a great variety of low-fired, as well as high-fired, pottery for ritual and secular purposes. Among those are tripods, mounted vessels and vessel stands, urinals, coffins, funerary urns, inkstones and tiles. Baekje pottery also had an influence on pottery in Japan.
Most representative for Silla and Gaya pottery are the high-fired stoneware pedestal bowls and long-necked jars that were produced in great quantity as funerary vessels. They distinguish themselves through decorative triangular and rectangular perforations and incised geometric patterns. Another particularity of pottery from the Silla and Gaya cultures are figurative vessels in the shape of ducks, horses, mounted warriors, shoes, boats and carts. Small clay figurines were also found attached to the surface of pedestal bowl lids or jars from the Silla kingdom.