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.