Korean Art and Architecture

I

Introduction

Korean Art and Architecture, the art and architecture of Korea since the New Stone Age (Neolithic period). Korea is noted for its unsurpassed traditions in pottery. Korean art is often a synthesis of Chinese influences and native artistic traditions—such as the use of bold color, natural forms, and lively surface decoration—which produced styles that, in turn, were transmitted to Japan.

II

Prehistoric Period

The use of pottery was an important feature of the New Stone Age throughout East Asia, and this is reflected in the earliest known Korean artifacts. Coarse-bodied earthenware has been recovered from the late Neolithic period (about 3000 bc). Bronze metallurgy, transmitted from the Mongols about 1000 bc, was quickly mastered by Korean casters. Excavations have revealed bronze and iron objects, including an assortment of ritual bells, small weapons, and mirrors as well, all dating from the 1st millennium bc.

III

The Three Kingdoms (1st century bc-7th century ad)

More is known of Korean history and art after the 2nd century bc, during the Three Kingdoms period, when China controlled the northern portion of Korea, and the south continued under native rule. Three states—Koguryŏ (Goguryeo), Paekche (Baekche), and Silla—produced art that laid the foundation for much of Korea's artistic development. Paekche, poor in mineral resources, continued the long-established pottery tradition, producing glazed funerary vessels and intricately decorated architectural tiles. Koguryŏ and Silla, while also contributing distinctive gray-bodied stoneware, are most famous for their metalwork, for example, the gold burial crowns worn by the Silla monarchs—tall, delicate headdresses, often embellished with a profusion of small spangles and commalike forms in gold and jade.

The introduction of Buddhism in the 6th century ad provided one of the most significant sources for artistic expression. Silla and Koguryŏ metallurgy is well illustrated by the gilt bronze statues from this period depicting Buddhist deities. The oldest examples of Korean architecture also reflect Buddhist influence. One of South Korea’s renowned Buddhist temples, Pulguksa, was built in the 8th century under the royal patronage of the Silla kingdom, which formally adopted Buddhism in the 6th century.

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IV

Unified Silla (668-935)

The unification of Korea under a powerful Silla monarch stimulated continued artistic growth within the native styles. The technology for highly refined, glazed stoneware was attained during this period and laid the foundation for the remarkable celadon ware of the succeeding dynasty. Buddhism continued to exert a powerful influence in Korean art, with gilt bronzes of the Three Kingdoms period joined by sculpture in gold, cast iron, and stone. Temple building proliferated, and the remains of numerous sites still exist. The Sŏkkuram cave temple, built high on a mountain near Gyeongju in 751, is still in a remarkable state of preservation. Evidence also remains of secular architecture, such as the oldest known observatory in East Asia. The Chomsongdae observatory, which is some 6 m (some 20 ft) high, attests to the level of scientific skill attained by the Koreans in the 7th century.

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