Arts of Korea

🇰🇷Arts of Korea Unit 2 – Three Kingdoms Period Art

The Three Kingdoms period in Korea, spanning from 57 BCE to 668 CE, was marked by rivalry between Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla. This era saw significant artistic development, influenced by Buddhism and cultural exchanges with China and Japan. Each kingdom developed distinct artistic styles. Goguryeo was known for bold tomb murals, Baekje for refined metalwork, and Silla for sophisticated gold crowns and jewelry. Buddhist art flourished, introducing new iconography and architectural forms that would shape Korean art for centuries.

Historical Context

  • Three Kingdoms period in Korea lasted from 57 BCE to 668 CE, characterized by the rival states of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla
  • Goguryeo (37 BCE - 668 CE) was the largest and most powerful of the three kingdoms, known for its military prowess and expansionist policies
    • Controlled much of the Korean peninsula and parts of Manchuria
    • Capital cities: Jolbon and Pyongyang
  • Baekje (18 BCE - 660 CE) was a maritime power with strong cultural ties to China and Japan
    • Controlled the southwestern part of the Korean peninsula
    • Capital cities: Ungjin (present-day Gongju) and Sabi (present-day Buyeo)
  • Silla (57 BCE - 935 CE) was the smallest of the three kingdoms but eventually unified the peninsula after forming an alliance with the Tang Dynasty of China
    • Controlled the southeastern part of the Korean peninsula
    • Capital city: Gyeongju
  • Period of political instability, frequent warfare, and shifting alliances among the three kingdoms
  • Introduction and spread of Buddhism from China had a significant impact on art and culture during this period

Key Artistic Styles

  • Goguryeo art style known for its bold, dynamic, and expressive qualities
    • Characterized by vivid colors, energetic brushwork, and a focus on movement and action
    • Influenced by Chinese and Central Asian art styles (Tang Dynasty, Silk Road)
  • Baekje art style refined, elegant, and influenced by Chinese and Japanese artistic traditions
    • Emphasized graceful lines, subtle colors, and intricate details
    • Incorporated Buddhist iconography and motifs
  • Silla art style synthesized elements from Goguryeo, Baekje, and Tang Dynasty China
    • Known for its sophisticated craftsmanship, use of precious materials (gold, silver), and Buddhist themes
    • Developed a unique style of gold crowns and jewelry
  • Buddhist art flourished during this period, including sculpture, painting, and architecture
    • Introduced new iconography, such as the Buddha, bodhisattvas, and guardian deities
    • Incorporated local artistic traditions and symbolism

Major Artworks and Artifacts

  • Goguryeo tomb murals depicting daily life, warfare, and mythological scenes
    • Anak Tomb No. 3 (357 CE) features a famous hunting scene and celestial deities
    • Ssangyeongchong Tomb (5th century) showcases a procession of warriors and horses
  • Baekje gilt-bronze incense burner (6th-7th century) exemplifies the refined metalwork of the period
    • Intricate openwork design and Buddhist iconography
  • Silla golden crowns and jewelry showcase the kingdom's wealth and craftsmanship
    • Geumgwanchong Gold Crown (5th-6th century) features a tree-like design with jade and glass beads
    • Cheonmachong Gold Crown (5th-6th century) adorned with gold spangles and pendant ornaments
  • Seokguram Grotto (8th century), a Silla-era Buddhist cave temple with a monumental seated Buddha statue
    • Represents the culmination of Silla Buddhist art and architecture
  • Pensive Bodhisattva (National Treasure No. 83) from the Silla period
    • Gilt-bronze statue depicting a bodhisattva in a contemplative pose
    • Epitomizes the serene and introspective qualities of Silla Buddhist sculpture

Techniques and Materials

  • Tomb murals created using mineral pigments on lime plaster
    • Colors derived from natural sources (red ochre, malachite green, azurite blue)
    • Techniques included outlining, shading, and color gradation
  • Metalwork utilized sophisticated casting, chasing, and gilding techniques
    • Lost-wax casting used to create intricate bronze and gold objects
    • Granulation and filigree work added fine details to jewelry and decorative items
  • Stone carving employed for Buddhist sculpture and architectural elements
    • Granite and limestone were common materials
    • Relief carving and free-standing sculpture techniques were used
  • Lacquerware and wooden objects were also produced, although fewer examples have survived due to the perishable nature of the materials
  • Textile arts, such as silk weaving and embroidery, were highly developed during this period
    • Goguryeo and Baekje were known for their fine silk production

Influential Artists and Patrons

  • Damjing, a renowned Goguryeo painter active in the 6th century
    • Credited with painting the murals in the Ssangyeongchong Tomb
    • Considered a master of portraying dynamic action and vivid colors
  • King Wideok of Baekje (r. 554-598) was a significant patron of the arts
    • Sponsored the construction of Buddhist temples and the production of religious artworks
    • Sent artists and craftsmen to Japan to share Baekje's artistic traditions
  • Queen Seondeok of Silla (r. 632-647) supported the arts and Buddhism
    • Commissioned the construction of the Hwangnyongsa Temple, a major Buddhist center
    • Patronized the production of Buddhist sculpture and metalwork
  • Monk-artists played a crucial role in the creation of Buddhist art
    • Hyecho, a Silla monk who traveled to India and wrote the "Memoir of the Pilgrimage to the Five Regions of India"
    • Contributed to the transmission of Buddhist iconography and styles

Cultural and Religious Influences

  • Confucianism and Taoism, introduced from China, influenced political ideology and social values
    • Confucian principles of loyalty, filial piety, and social hierarchy were reflected in art
    • Taoist themes of harmony with nature and immortality were depicted in tomb murals
  • Buddhism, which arrived in Korea during the 4th century, had a profound impact on art and culture
    • Buddhist teachings and iconography became central to artistic expression
    • Temples, monasteries, and cave shrines were built to house religious artworks and serve as centers of learning
  • Indigenous Korean shamanism and animistic beliefs coexisted with imported religions
    • Shamanic motifs and symbols were incorporated into Buddhist art
    • Nature spirits and guardian deities were depicted in tomb murals and decorative objects
  • Cultural exchanges with China, particularly during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), greatly influenced Korean art
    • Chinese artistic styles, techniques, and motifs were adapted and localized
    • Korean artists and monks traveled to China to study and bring back new ideas

Legacy and Impact

  • Three Kingdoms period art laid the foundation for the artistic traditions of unified Silla and subsequent Korean dynasties
    • Silla art style, which synthesized elements from the Three Kingdoms, became the dominant artistic tradition
    • Buddhist art and architecture continued to flourish during the unified Silla period (668-935)
  • Goguryeo tomb murals provide invaluable insights into the daily life, warfare, and beliefs of the period
    • Serve as important historical and archaeological resources
    • Influenced later mural painting traditions in Korea and Japan
  • Baekje art and culture had a significant impact on ancient Japan
    • Baekje artists and craftsmen introduced new artistic styles and techniques to Japan
    • Contributed to the development of Buddhist art and architecture in Japan (Asuka period)
  • Silla metalwork, particularly golden crowns and jewelry, are considered masterpieces of Korean art
    • Showcase the technical skill and aesthetic sensibilities of Silla artisans
    • Influenced later Korean metalwork traditions
  • Three Kingdoms period art demonstrates the cultural diversity and artistic exchanges that shaped early Korean civilization
    • Reflects the complex political, religious, and social dynamics of the time
    • Highlights Korea's role in the broader context of East Asian art history

Key Takeaways

  • The Three Kingdoms period was characterized by the rival states of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla, each with distinct artistic styles and cultural influences
  • Buddhism, introduced from China, had a profound impact on art and culture during this period, leading to the creation of numerous Buddhist artworks and monuments
  • Goguryeo art is known for its bold, dynamic qualities, as seen in the tomb murals depicting daily life, warfare, and mythological scenes
  • Baekje art is characterized by its refined elegance and influence on ancient Japanese art and culture
  • Silla art synthesized elements from the other two kingdoms and the Tang Dynasty of China, known for its sophisticated craftsmanship and use of precious materials
  • Metalwork, particularly in gold and bronze, reached high levels of technical and artistic achievement during this period
  • The Three Kingdoms period laid the foundation for the artistic traditions of unified Silla and subsequent Korean dynasties, demonstrating the cultural diversity and exchanges that shaped early Korean civilization


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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.
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