🧑🏻‍🎨East Asian Art and Civilization Unit 8 – Buddhist Art in Korea

Historical Context

• Buddhism introduced to Korea from China during the Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE - 668 CE)
  • First officially recognized in Goguryeo Kingdom in 372 CE
  • Adopted as state religion in Silla Kingdom in 528 CE
• Spread rapidly throughout the peninsula, becoming a major influence on art and culture
• Reached its zenith during the Unified Silla period (668-935 CE) and the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392 CE)
  • Buddhist art flourished with royal patronage and support from aristocracy
• Declined during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) due to the rise of Neo-Confucianism
  • Buddhist art continued to be produced, but on a smaller scale and with less official support
• Experienced a revival in the 20th century with the modernization of Korea and increased global interest in Buddhist art

Key Buddhist Concepts in Korean Art

• Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha) represented through various artistic mediums
• Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path depicted in paintings and sculptures
  • Suffering, the cause of suffering, the cessation of suffering, and the path to the cessation of suffering
• Bodhisattvas (enlightened beings who postpone their own nirvana to help others) frequently portrayed in Korean Buddhist art
  • Avalokiteśvara (Bodhisattva of Compassion) and Kṣitigarbha (Bodhisattva of the Earth) among the most popular
• Karma and reincarnation themes explored through narrative art and symbolic imagery
• Meditation and mindfulness practices reflected in the serene expressions of Buddhist figures
• Impermanence and the transient nature of existence conveyed through the use of ephemeral materials and the depiction of the Buddha's life story

Major Periods and Styles

• Three Kingdoms Period (57 BCE - 668 CE)
  • Early Buddhist art influenced by Chinese and Central Asian styles
  • Goguryeo Kingdom known for its tomb murals depicting Buddhist themes and imagery
• Unified Silla Period (668-935 CE)
  • Golden age of Korean Buddhist art
  • Characterized by the use of gold, bronze, and stone in sculptures and architectural elements
  • Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple are prime examples of Unified Silla Buddhist art
• Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392 CE)
  • Continued the traditions of the Unified Silla period
  • Introduced new styles and techniques, such as celadon ceramics with inlaid designs
  • Buddhist paintings and illuminated sutras gained prominence
• Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910)
  • Buddhist art declined due to the state's emphasis on Neo-Confucianism
  • Continued production of Buddhist sculptures, paintings, and ritual objects, albeit on a smaller scale
  • Folk art and shamanic influences began to merge with Buddhist themes

Iconic Buddhist Artworks

• Seokguram Grotto (Unified Silla Period)
  • Masterpiece of Korean Buddhist art
  • Granite cave temple with a central Buddha statue surrounded by bodhisattvas and disciples
  • Represents the Buddha's enlightenment and the cosmic order
• Palsangjeon Pagoda at Bulguksa Temple (Unified Silla Period)
  • Unique wooden pagoda with intricate carvings and paintings
  • Depicts the Buddha's life story and various Buddhist scriptures
• Gilt-bronze Maitreya in Meditation (National Treasure No. 83, Unified Silla Period)
  • Iconic sculpture of the Future Buddha, Maitreya, in a contemplative pose
  • Embodies the ideals of Buddhist enlightenment and compassion
• Goryeo Celadon Incense Burner (Goryeo Dynasty)
  • Celadon ceramic incense burner with inlaid designs of Buddhist motifs
  • Represents the refinement and artistic achievements of the Goryeo Dynasty
• Tripitaka Koreana (Goryeo Dynasty)
  • Complete collection of Buddhist scriptures carved onto over 80,000 woodblocks
  • Considered a masterpiece of Buddhist literature and a testament to the devotion of Goryeo Buddhists

Techniques and Materials

• Stone carving
  • Used for sculptures, steles, and architectural elements
  • Granite and limestone were common materials
• Bronze casting
  • Used for sculptures, bells, and ritual objects
  • Lost-wax casting and piece-mold casting techniques were employed
• Wood carving
  • Used for sculptures, architectural elements, and printing blocks
  • Softwoods like pine and hardwoods like ginkgo were used
• Painting
  • Executed on silk, paper, and walls using mineral pigments
  • Techniques included outline drawing, shading, and gold leaf application
• Celadon ceramics (Goryeo Dynasty)
  • Characterized by jade-green glaze and inlaid designs
  • Sanggam inlay technique involved carving patterns and filling them with colored clay
• Lacquerware
  • Used for ritual objects and decorative items
  • Layers of lacquer were applied and polished to create a glossy surface
• Precious metals (gold and silver)
  • Used for gilding, inlaying, and creating small sculptures and ornaments

Symbolism and Iconography

• Buddha
  • Represented with various hand gestures (mudras) and seated positions (asanas)
  • Elongated earlobes, ushnisha (cranial protuberance), and urna (dot between eyebrows) are identifying features
• Bodhisattvas
  • Depicted with elaborate crowns, jewelry, and flowing robes
  • Often shown holding symbolic objects like lotuses, scrolls, or jewels
• Lotus flower
  • Symbol of purity, enlightenment, and spiritual rebirth
  • Often used as a throne or pedestal for Buddhist figures
• Wheel of Dharma
  • Represents the Buddha's teachings and the path to enlightenment
  • Depicted with eight spokes, corresponding to the Eightfold Path
• Stupa
  • Architectural structure representing the Buddha's enlightened mind
  • Often used as a reliquary or a focus for meditation
• Mandala
  • Symbolic representation of the cosmic order and the path to enlightenment
  • Typically circular with concentric rings and geometric patterns
• Guardian figures
  • Fearsome deities or mythical creatures that protect the Buddha, the Dharma, and the faithful
  • Often placed at temple entrances or flanking the main Buddha statue

Influence on Korean Culture

• Buddhism shaped the worldview, values, and aesthetics of Korean society for over a millennium
• Buddhist monasteries served as centers of learning, preserving and disseminating knowledge
  • Contributed to the development of printing technology (woodblock printing) and the spread of literacy
• Buddhist art and architecture influenced secular art forms and craftsmanship
  • Techniques and motifs from Buddhist art were adapted to create celadon ceramics, lacquerware, and metalwork
• Buddhist festivals and rituals became an integral part of Korean cultural life
  • Lotus Lantern Festival (Yeondeunghoe) and Buddha's Birthday celebrations continue to be observed today
• Buddhist themes and stories permeated Korean literature, poetry, and folklore
  • The Tale of Simcheong, a popular folktale, incorporates Buddhist elements of filial piety and self-sacrifice
• Buddhist values of compassion, mindfulness, and non-attachment have left a lasting impact on Korean social norms and interpersonal relationships

Contemporary Relevance

• Korean Buddhist art is recognized and appreciated worldwide for its artistic merit and cultural significance
  • Major exhibitions have been held in international museums, showcasing the depth and diversity of the tradition
• Buddhist temples and artworks have become popular tourist attractions, contributing to the economy and cultural diplomacy of South Korea
  • Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Contemporary Korean artists continue to draw inspiration from Buddhist themes, techniques, and aesthetics
  • Incorporating traditional elements into modern art forms like installation, video art, and performance
• The practice of Buddhism remains an important aspect of Korean spiritual life, with a significant number of adherents and active temples
  • Buddhist art and rituals continue to evolve and adapt to the needs of contemporary society
• Korean Buddhist art serves as a bridge between the past and the present, connecting generations and fostering cultural identity
  • Preservation and promotion of this artistic heritage have become a priority for both the government and cultural institutions
• The values and teachings embodied in Korean Buddhist art, such as compassion, mindfulness, and the pursuit of wisdom, remain relevant in addressing the challenges of the modern world