🗾East Asian Art and Architecture Unit 20 – Goryeo Art: Celadon and Buddhist Painting

Historical Context

• Goryeo Dynasty ruled Korea from 918 to 1392 CE
• Succeeded the Unified Silla period and preceded the Joseon Dynasty
• Considered a golden age of art and culture in Korean history
• Buddhism flourished as the state religion during this period
• Close cultural and political ties with China's Song Dynasty influenced art styles
• Confucianism and Neo-Confucianism gained prominence among the educated elite
• Goryeo faced invasions from the Khitan Liao and Mongol Yuan Dynasties

Key Characteristics of Goryeo Art

• Elegant and refined aesthetics with an emphasis on simplicity and naturalism
• Celadon pottery reached its zenith during this period
• Buddhist themes and iconography prominently featured in paintings and sculptures
• Influence of Chinese artistic styles, particularly from the Song Dynasty
• Use of vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and gold in Buddhist paintings
• Incorporation of Daoist and Confucian elements in artistic works
• Development of unique Korean artistic identity within the context of East Asian art

Celadon Pottery Techniques

• Celadon refers to a type of green-glazed stoneware pottery
• Clay bodies made from iron-rich clay and fired at high temperatures (1,200-1,300°C)
• Glaze contains iron oxide, which produces the distinctive green color
• Inlaid decoration technique (sanggam) involved carving designs into the clay body and filling with contrasting clay
• Incised decoration created by carving designs directly into the clay surface
• Openwork technique produced intricate, lace-like patterns
• Mold-impressed designs transferred patterns onto the clay surface using carved molds

Iconic Celadon Pieces

• Celadon Maebyeong Vase: Elegant, tall vase with intricate inlaid decoration of cranes and clouds
• Celadon Incense Burner: Intricately designed burner with openwork lid and dragon motifs
• Celadon Kundika: Ritual water bottle with a long spout and inlaid floral designs
• Celadon Prunus Vase: Maebyeong-shaped vase with inlaid prunus (plum blossom) and willow designs
  • Prunus blossoms symbolize purity, resilience, and the transience of life
• Celadon Melon-shaped Bottle: Unique form resembling a melon with inlaid vine and leaf patterns
• Celadon Turtle-shaped Water Dropper: Whimsical design used for holding water for ink painting

Buddhist Painting Styles

• Goryeo Buddhist paintings showcased a fusion of Korean and Chinese artistic styles
• Emphasis on portraying the Buddha, bodhisattvas, and various deities
• Frontality and symmetry in composition to convey a sense of divine presence
• Use of vibrant colors, particularly gold, to symbolize the radiance of enlightenment
• Detailed depictions of Buddhist scriptures and narratives in mural paintings
• Incorporation of landscape elements and natural motifs
  • Mountains, rivers, and trees often represented the Buddha's pure land
• Delicate line work and shading techniques to create a sense of depth and volume

Influential Buddhist Artworks

• Water-Moon Avalokiteshvara (Gwaneum Bosal): Painting of the Bodhisattva of Compassion seated on a lotus throne
• Amitabha Buddha Triad: Depicts Amitabha Buddha flanked by two bodhisattvas, representing the Western Paradise
• The Ten Kings of Hell: A series of paintings illustrating the judgment of souls in the afterlife
• Goryeo Buddhist Canon (Tripitaka Koreana): Over 80,000 woodblocks containing the complete Buddhist scriptures
  • Carved between 1011 and 1087 CE to invoke divine protection against Khitan invasions
• Bodhisattva of Wisdom (Jie Bosal): Painting showcasing the Bodhisattva's role in guiding beings towards enlightenment
• Maitreya Buddha: Depictions of the future Buddha, often shown seated in a relaxed posture

Cultural and Religious Significance

• Goryeo art served as a means of propagating Buddhist teachings and values
• Celadon pottery used in Buddhist rituals and as offerings to temples
• Buddhist paintings and sculptures created to accumulate merit and ensure spiritual protection
• Art patronage by the royal court and aristocracy demonstrated their devotion to Buddhism
• Artistic works also reflected the influence of Confucian and Daoist philosophies
  • Emphasis on harmony, balance, and the relationship between humans and nature
• Goryeo art contributed to the development of a distinct Korean cultural identity
• Artistic exchanges with China and other neighboring regions facilitated cultural diplomacy

Legacy and Modern Influence

• Goryeo celadon techniques and styles continue to inspire modern ceramic artists
• Revival of traditional Goryeo pottery techniques in the 20th century
• Goryeo Buddhist paintings serve as important references for the study of Korean art history
• Modern Korean artists draw inspiration from the aesthetics and themes of Goryeo art
• Goryeo art has gained international recognition and is showcased in museums worldwide
• Celadon pottery and Buddhist paintings have become iconic symbols of Korean cultural heritage
• Influence of Goryeo art can be seen in contemporary Korean art, design, and popular culture
• Preservation and promotion of Goryeo art as a means of cultural diplomacy and soft power