🐘Buddhist Arts of Asia Unit 10 – Korean Buddhist Art: Sculpture and Painting

Historical Context

• Buddhism introduced to Korea from China during the Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE - 668 CE)
• Silla Kingdom (57 BCE - 935 CE) played a significant role in spreading Buddhism throughout the Korean peninsula
  • Silla rulers embraced Buddhism as the state religion
  • Encouraged the construction of temples and monasteries
• Unified Silla period (668-935 CE) marked the golden age of Korean Buddhist art
  • Witnessed the creation of numerous masterpieces in sculpture and painting
• Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392 CE) continued the patronage of Buddhism
  • Buddhist art flourished with the development of new styles and techniques
• Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910 CE) initially suppressed Buddhism in favor of Neo-Confucianism
  • Buddhist art production declined but still continued in certain regions

Key Concepts in Korean Buddhism

• Three Jewels: Buddha (the enlightened one), Dharma (teachings), and Sangha (monastic community)
• Four Noble Truths: suffering exists, causes of suffering, cessation of suffering, and the path to cessation
• Eightfold Path: right understanding, thought, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration
• Bodhisattva: enlightened beings who postpone their own nirvana to help others attain enlightenment
  • Avalokitesvara (Gwan-eum) and Ksitigarbha (Jijang) are popular bodhisattvas in Korean Buddhism
• Mahayana Buddhism: predominant school in Korea emphasizing compassion and the bodhisattva path
• Seon (Zen) Buddhism: meditative school focusing on direct insight and enlightenment
  • Introduced to Korea during the late Silla period by the monk Beomnang

Evolution of Korean Buddhist Art

• Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE - 668 CE) marked the early development of Korean Buddhist art
  • Influenced by Chinese and Central Asian styles
  • Characterized by simple and abstract representations of Buddhist figures
• Unified Silla period (668-935 CE) witnessed the maturation and refinement of Korean Buddhist art
  • Sculptors created elegant and proportionate figures with serene expressions
  • Painters developed unique styles incorporating vivid colors and intricate patterns
• Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392 CE) introduced new artistic innovations
  • Celadon pottery with inlaid designs became popular for ritual objects
  • Illustrated sutras (religious texts) gained prominence with detailed miniature paintings
• Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910 CE) saw a decline in Buddhist art production
  • Some regional schools continued to produce sculptures and paintings in traditional styles
  • Folk paintings of Buddhist themes emerged as a new genre

Iconic Buddhist Sculptures

• Seokguram Grotto (8th century CE): UNESCO World Heritage site featuring a monumental seated Buddha surrounded by bodhisattvas and disciples
  • Represents the culmination of Silla sculptural art
  • Showcases the mastery of stone carving and attention to detail
• Gilt-bronze Maitreya Bodhisattva (6th-7th century CE): National Treasure of Korea
  • Depicts the future Buddha Maitreya in a standing pose with elongated ears and a gentle smile
  • Exemplifies the Silla period's refined sculptural style
• Vairocana Buddha at Bulguksa Temple (8th century CE): Massive seated Buddha carved from a single block of granite
  • Displays the Unified Silla period's grand scale and technical prowess
• Goryeo Dynasty Buddha Triad (11th-12th century CE): Bronze sculpture depicting the historical Buddha flanked by two bodhisattvas
  • Illustrates the Goryeo period's continuation of traditional iconography with stylistic innovations

Painting Styles and Techniques

• Goguryeo tomb murals (4th-7th century CE): Earliest examples of Korean Buddhist painting
  • Feature scenes from the life of the Buddha and Jataka tales (stories of the Buddha's past lives)
  • Executed using mineral pigments on lime plaster
• Unified Silla silk paintings: Characterized by vibrant colors, flowing lines, and intricate patterns
  • Often depict Buddhist deities, bodhisattvas, and paradise scenes
  • Employ techniques such as shading, gradation, and gold outlining
• Goryeo illustrated sutras: Combine text and miniature paintings on handscrolls or accordion-fold books
  • Feature delicate and precise brushwork with gold and silver pigments
  • Depict scenes from Buddhist scriptures and the lives of famous monks
• Joseon folk paintings: Blend Buddhist themes with indigenous Korean styles and motifs
  • Use bold colors, simplified forms, and expressive brushstrokes
  • Often portray the Buddha, bodhisattvas, and guardian deities in informal settings

Symbolism and Iconography

• Mudras (hand gestures): convey specific meanings and attributes of Buddhist figures
  • Dhyana mudra (meditation gesture) signifies concentration and inner peace
  • Bhumisparsa mudra (earth-touching gesture) represents the Buddha's enlightenment
  • Varada mudra (gift-giving gesture) symbolizes generosity and compassion
• Asanas (postures): indicate the role and status of Buddhist figures
  • Seated in lotus position denotes meditation and spiritual attainment
  • Standing with one hand raised signifies teaching and guidance
• Halos and mandorlas: represent the radiance and divine nature of Buddhist figures
  • Circular halos surround the head, while oval mandorlas encompass the entire body
• Lotus flower: symbolizes purity, enlightenment, and spiritual rebirth
  • Often serves as a throne or pedestal for Buddhist figures
• Buddhist trinity: depicts the Buddha flanked by two bodhisattvas or disciples
  • Represents the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha) and the path to enlightenment

Major Temples and Art Sites

• Bulguksa Temple (Gyeongju): UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the 8th century CE
  • Houses numerous Buddhist sculptures, pagodas, and architectural masterpieces
  • Showcases the grandeur and sophistication of Silla Buddhist art
• Haeinsa Temple (Hapcheon): Home to the Tripitaka Koreana, the world's oldest and most comprehensive collection of Buddhist scriptures
  • Carved onto 81,258 wooden printing blocks during the Goryeo Dynasty
  • Represents the importance of Buddhist texts and calligraphy in Korean art
• Seokguram Grotto (Gyeongju): See the "Iconic Buddhist Sculptures" section for details
• Songgwangsa Temple (Suncheon): One of the Three Jewels Temples of Korea
  • Features a unique three-story stone pagoda and a 16th-century bronze bell
  • Houses important Buddhist sculptures and paintings from various periods

Contemporary Influence and Preservation

• Korean Buddhist art continues to inspire modern and contemporary artists
  • Sculptors and painters reinterpret traditional forms and themes in new contexts
  • Installation artists incorporate Buddhist concepts and symbolism in their works
• Cultural heritage preservation efforts aim to protect and restore historic Buddhist artworks
  • Advanced technologies (3D scanning, digital restoration) aid in conservation
  • Educational programs and exhibitions raise public awareness and appreciation
• Buddhist temples and museums serve as important repositories of Korean Buddhist art
  • Regular rituals and ceremonies keep the living tradition of Buddhist art alive
  • Collaborative projects with international institutions promote global understanding and scholarship