🎎Arts of East Asia Unit 9 – Korean Art – Goryeo Dynasty

Historical Context

• Goryeo Dynasty ruled Korea from 918 to 1392 CE following the Unified Silla period
• Goryeo was a prosperous and culturally rich period in Korean history marked by advancements in art, literature, and technology
• The dynasty faced challenges such as the Khitan invasions in the 11th century and the Mongol invasions in the 13th century
• Despite these challenges, Goryeo maintained a strong central government and a flourishing aristocratic culture
• The capital city of Goryeo, Gaegyeong (modern-day Kaesong), served as a major center for art and culture
• Goryeo had active diplomatic and trade relations with neighboring countries, including China and Japan, which influenced its art and culture
• The Goryeo period saw the development of a unique Korean identity and artistic style distinct from those of China and Japan

Key Characteristics of Goryeo Art

• Goryeo art is known for its elegance, refinement, and attention to detail reflecting the sophisticated tastes of the aristocracy
• Artists often used precious materials such as gold, silver, and jade to create luxurious objects for the elite class
• Goryeo celadon, a type of green-glazed stoneware, is considered one of the finest achievements of Korean ceramic art
  • Celadon pieces featured intricate designs, such as incised or inlaid patterns, and a distinctive blue-green glaze
• Buddhist art flourished during the Goryeo period, with the creation of numerous temples, sculptures, and paintings
  • Buddhist art often depicted Buddhas, bodhisattvas, and other religious figures with graceful lines and serene expressions
• Goryeo paintings, particularly those on silk or paper, showcased the refined brushwork and use of vibrant colors
• Calligraphy was highly valued as an art form, with many scholars and officials practicing and mastering various styles
• Metalwork, including gold and silver jewelry, bronze mirrors, and other decorative objects, demonstrated the high level of craftsmanship in Goryeo

Influential Religions and Philosophies

• Buddhism played a central role in Goryeo society and had a profound impact on art and culture
  • Many kings and members of the aristocracy were devout Buddhists and patronized the construction of temples and the creation of Buddhist art
• Confucianism, which emphasized social harmony, filial piety, and education, also influenced Goryeo culture and values
  • Confucian principles were reflected in the hierarchical structure of Goryeo society and the importance placed on scholarly pursuits
• Taoism, with its emphasis on harmony with nature and the pursuit of longevity, also had a presence in Goryeo, particularly among the elite
• Shamanism, Korea's indigenous religion, continued to be practiced by the common people and influenced folk art and traditions
• The syncretic nature of Goryeo religion and philosophy is evident in the blending of Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist elements in art and literature

Major Art Forms and Techniques

• Celadon pottery production reached its peak during the Goryeo period with the development of advanced techniques such as inlaid decoration (sanggam)
  • Inlaid designs were created by carving patterns into the clay body and filling them with colored clay or slip before glazing
• Bronze casting was used to create large-scale Buddhist sculptures, temple bells, and other religious objects
  • The lost-wax casting technique allowed for the creation of intricate designs and fine details
• Silk painting, known as Goryeo Buddhist painting, depicted religious scenes, portraits, and landscapes using vibrant colors and gold highlights
  • The use of fine silk as a canvas allowed for delicate brushwork and the creation of translucent effects
• Woodblock printing, introduced from China, was used to produce Buddhist texts and other literature
  • The Tripitaka Koreana, a collection of Buddhist scriptures carved onto over 80,000 woodblocks, is a notable example of Goryeo printing
• Lacquerware, often decorated with mother-of-pearl inlay (najeon chilgi), was used to create luxurious objects such as boxes, trays, and furniture for the aristocracy
• Gold and silver metalwork techniques, such as chasing, repoussé, and granulation, were used to create intricate jewelry and decorative objects

Notable Artists and Artworks

• Goryeo Celadon Melon-shaped Bottle: This iconic celadon piece features a distinctive melon-like shape and intricate inlaid decoration showcasing the mastery of Goryeo potters
• Water-Moon Avalokiteshvara (Suwol Gwaneum) painting: This silk painting depicts the Bodhisattva of Compassion seated on a lotus throne, exemplifying the graceful style of Goryeo Buddhist art
• Gyeongcheonsa Pagoda: This 10-story stone pagoda, built in 1348, showcases the architectural skill and religious devotion of the Goryeo period
• Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Gwaneum Bosal) statue: This gilt-bronze sculpture, known for its serene expression and flowing robes, represents the compassionate nature of the Bodhisattva
• Illustrated Sutra of the Visualization of the Buddha of Immeasurable Life (Gwangyeong): This exquisite set of silk paintings illustrates scenes from the Buddhist sutra and showcases the refined style of Goryeo painting

Cultural Significance and Symbolism

• Goryeo art served as a means to express religious devotion, particularly to Buddhism, which was the dominant religion during the period
  • Buddhist themes and imagery, such as the Buddha, bodhisattvas, and lotus flowers, were prevalent in Goryeo art and symbolized enlightenment, compassion, and purity
• The patronage of art by the aristocracy and the royal court was a way to display wealth, power, and cultural refinement
  • The use of precious materials and the creation of luxurious objects symbolized the high status and taste of the elite class
• The artistic styles and motifs of Goryeo art, such as the use of flowing lines, vibrant colors, and nature-inspired designs, reflected the aesthetics and values of the time
  • These elements were often associated with ideas of harmony, balance, and the beauty of the natural world
• The production of celadon pottery, with its distinctive green glaze, became a source of national pride and identity for Goryeo
  • The color green was associated with the jade stone, which was highly prized in East Asian cultures for its beauty and symbolic properties
• The creation of Buddhist art and the construction of temples were seen as meritorious acts that could bring spiritual benefits and blessings to the patrons and the nation as a whole

Legacy and Influence on Later Periods

• Goryeo art had a lasting impact on the development of Korean art and culture in subsequent periods, particularly during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910)
  • Many of the artistic techniques, styles, and motifs established during the Goryeo period continued to be used and adapted by later artists
• The celadon pottery of Goryeo set a high standard for ceramic art in Korea and influenced the development of other ceramic traditions, such as Joseon porcelain
• Goryeo Buddhist art, particularly sculpture and painting, served as important models for later Buddhist art in Korea and beyond
  • The graceful style and iconography of Goryeo Buddhist art can be seen in the works of later periods, such as the Joseon Dynasty
• The legacy of Goryeo art extends beyond Korea, as it also had an influence on the art and culture of neighboring countries, such as Japan
  • Japanese Buddhist art and ceramics from the Kamakura period (1185-1333) show the influence of Goryeo styles and techniques
• Today, Goryeo art is highly valued and celebrated as a significant part of Korea's cultural heritage
  • Museums in Korea and around the world hold collections of Goryeo artworks, and ongoing research continues to shed light on this important period in Korean art history

Fun Facts and Interesting Tidbits

• The Goryeo Dynasty is the origin of the modern name "Korea," which is derived from the name "Goryeo"
• Goryeo celadon was so highly prized that it was often used as a form of currency and tribute in diplomatic exchanges
• The Tripitaka Koreana, the collection of Buddhist scriptures carved onto woodblocks during the Goryeo period, is the oldest and most comprehensive intact version of the Buddhist canon in East Asia
  • The woodblocks are now stored at the Haeinsa Temple in South Korea and are designated as a National Treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• The Goryeo period saw the invention of movable metal type printing in the 13th century, predating Johannes Gutenberg's invention in Europe by several centuries
  • However, the technology did not become widespread in Korea due to the complexity of the Korean writing system and the preference for woodblock printing
• Goryeo kings were known for their elaborate royal processions, which included a large entourage of officials, musicians, and dancers
  • These processions were a display of the king's power and the wealth of the Goryeo state
• The Goryeo aristocracy had a fascination with the Chinese game of go (baduk in Korean), and it was considered an essential skill for scholars and officials
  • Go boards and pieces made of precious materials, such as ivory and jade, were popular among the elite class
• The Goryeo period also saw the development of a unique form of masked dance, known as Goryeo Gamyeon, which was performed at royal banquets and other festivities
  • The masks used in these dances were made of wood and depicted various characters, such as nobles, commoners, and animals