🇰🇷Arts of Korea Unit 1 – Prehistoric and Ancient Korean Art

Key Time Periods and Cultures

• Paleolithic Period (700,000-8000 BCE) earliest known human habitation on the Korean Peninsula
  • Lower Paleolithic (700,000-100,000 BCE) simple stone tools and hand axes
  • Upper Paleolithic (40,000-10,000 BCE) more advanced stone tools and evidence of early art
• Neolithic Period (8000-1500 BCE) marked by the introduction of agriculture, pottery, and settled villages
  • Jeulmun Pottery Period (8000-1500 BCE) earliest known pottery on the Korean Peninsula
• Bronze Age (1500-300 BCE) characterized by the development of bronze metallurgy and complex societies
  • Mumun Pottery Period (1500-300 BCE) distinctive geometric designs on pottery
• Iron Age (300 BCE-Three Kingdoms Period) saw the rise of early states and the adoption of iron technology
• Three Kingdoms Period (57 BCE-668 CE) Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla kingdoms dominated the peninsula
  • Goguryeo (37 BCE-668 CE) known for its powerful military and distinctive art style
  • Baekje (18 BCE-660 CE) noted for its refined artistic traditions and cultural exchanges with Japan
  • Silla (57 BCE-935 CE) famous for its gold crowns and Buddhist art

Major Archaeological Sites

• Seokjang-ri Site (Gongju) Paleolithic site with stone tools and evidence of early human habitation
• Amsa-dong Prehistoric Settlement Site (Seoul) Neolithic village with pit houses and Jeulmun pottery
• Songguk-ri Site (Buyeo) Bronze Age settlement with Mumun pottery and bronze artifacts
  • Reveals the complex social structure and advanced metalworking techniques of the Mumun Period
• Bangudae Petroglyphs (Ulsan) Neolithic and Bronze Age rock carvings depicting animals and hunting scenes
• Goguryeo Tombs (North Korea and China) elaborate mural paintings and artifacts from the Goguryeo Kingdom
  • Anak Tomb No. 3 (Hwanghae Province, North Korea) famous for its detailed mural paintings
• Gyeongju Historic Areas (Gyeongju) capital of the Silla Kingdom with numerous temples, palaces, and tombs
  • Seokguram Grotto (Gyeongju) UNESCO World Heritage site with a granite Buddha statue
  • Bulguksa Temple (Gyeongju) renowned for its exquisite Buddhist architecture and art
• Royal Tombs of the Silla Kingdom (Gyeongju) massive earthen mounds containing gold crowns and other royal artifacts

Pottery and Ceramics

• Jeulmun Pottery (8000-1500 BCE) earliest known pottery on the Korean Peninsula
  • Characterized by its deep bowls with pointed bottoms and incised geometric designs
  • Chulmun (comb-pattern) pottery features intricate comb-tooth designs
• Mumun Pottery (1500-300 BCE) distinguished by its plain, undecorated surfaces and geometric patterns
  • Includes various vessel types such as jars, bowls, and cups
  • Represents a shift from decorated to plain pottery during the Bronze Age
• Grayware (Baekje and Silla Kingdoms) low-fired, unglazed stoneware with a grayish color
  • Often used for everyday purposes such as storage and cooking
• Celadon (Goryeo Period, 918-1392 CE) high-fired, glazed stoneware with a distinctive green color
  • Represents the pinnacle of Korean ceramic art during the Goryeo Period
  • Inlaid celadon features intricate designs inlaid with white or black clay

Metalwork and Jewelry

• Bronze Daggers (Bronze Age) ceremonial daggers with intricate geometric designs and anthropomorphic features
  • Liaoning-type daggers (Manchuria and northern Korea) feature a distinctive ring-shaped pommel
• Bronze Mirrors (Bronze Age) circular mirrors with geometric patterns and mythical creatures
  • Reflects the influence of Chinese bronze mirror designs
• Gold Crowns (Silla Kingdom) elaborate headdresses worn by Silla royalty and aristocrats
  • Characterized by their tree-like branches and jade or glass pendants
  • Geumgwanchong Gold Crown (Gyeongju) one of the most famous examples of Silla gold crowns
• Gold Earrings (Three Kingdoms Period) various styles including dangle, hoop, and stud earrings
  • Often decorated with granulation, filigree, and inlaid gemstones
• Bronze Bells (Three Kingdoms Period) large, decorated bells used for religious and ceremonial purposes
  • Divine Bell of King Seongdeok (Gyeongju) largest extant bell from the Silla Kingdom

Prehistoric Art and Artifacts

• Venus Figurines (Paleolithic) small, carved figurines depicting female figures
  • Thought to represent fertility or religious beliefs
• Bangudae Petroglyphs (Neolithic and Bronze Age) rock carvings depicting animals, hunting scenes, and ships
  • Provides insight into the daily life and beliefs of prehistoric societies
• Dolmens (Bronze Age) megalithic tombs consisting of large stone slabs
  • Reflects the emergence of social hierarchy and complex burial practices
• Clay Figures (Neolithic and Bronze Age) small, anthropomorphic figures made of clay
  • May have served as votive offerings or religious objects
• Stone Tools (Paleolithic and Neolithic) various types including hand axes, blades, and arrowheads
  • Demonstrates the technological advancements and adaptations of early human societies

Early Kingdom Art

• Goguryeo Tomb Murals (Goguryeo Kingdom) elaborate wall paintings depicting daily life, mythical creatures, and celestial motifs
  • Reflects the beliefs, customs, and artistic traditions of the Goguryeo Kingdom
  • Gangseo Daemyo Tomb (South Pyongan Province, North Korea) features a famous hunting scene mural
• Gilt-bronze Buddha Statues (Three Kingdoms Period) Buddhist sculptures covered in gold leaf
  • Reflects the spread and influence of Buddhism during the Three Kingdoms Period
  • Baekje Gilt-bronze Incense Burner (National Treasure of Korea) depicts a Buddhist paradise scene
• Stoneware Tomb Figurines (Silla Kingdom) clay figures placed in tombs to protect and serve the deceased
  • Includes warriors, servants, and animals such as horses and pigs
• Hwangnyongsa Temple Pagoda (Silla Kingdom) wooden pagoda adorned with intricate carvings and gold leaf
  • Represents the grandeur and sophistication of Silla Buddhist architecture
• Baekje Roof Tiles (Baekje Kingdom) decorative tiles with floral and geometric patterns
  • Showcases the advanced ceramic techniques and aesthetic sensibilities of Baekje artisans

Influences from Neighboring Civilizations

• Chinese Influence introduced writing systems (hanja), Buddhism, and Confucianism to the Korean Peninsula
  • Reflected in the adoption of Chinese-style art, architecture, and political systems
  • Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) had a significant impact on Silla art and culture
• Steppe Nomad Influence (Scythians and Xiongnu) evident in the use of animal motifs and metalworking techniques
  • Gold Crown from Hwangnam Daechong Tomb (Gyeongju) features deer antler-like projections
• Japanese Influence increased during the Three Kingdoms Period through cultural exchanges and diplomatic missions
  • Asuka Period (538-710 CE) Japanese art and architecture were influenced by Baekje styles
• Siberian Influence visible in the use of bear and tiger motifs in prehistoric art
  • Reflects the shared cultural heritage of Northeast Asian societies
• Central Asian Influence introduced through the Silk Road trade routes
  • Evident in the use of glass beads and other exotic materials in jewelry and decorative arts

Symbolism and Motifs

• Dragons (Goguryeo and Silla Kingdoms) represent power, authority, and the heavenly realm
  • Often depicted in tomb murals and on royal artifacts
• Phoenix (Three Kingdoms Period) symbolizes rebirth, renewal, and the sun
  • Frequently appears in Buddhist art and on gilt-bronze objects
• Lotus Flower (Three Kingdoms Period) represents purity, enlightenment, and the Buddhist faith
  • Commonly depicted in Buddhist sculpture and temple architecture
• Taegeuk Symbol (Goguryeo Kingdom) represents the harmony of opposing forces (yin and yang)
  • Appears on Goguryeo tomb murals and later becomes a central motif in Korean art
• Floral Motifs (Three Kingdoms Period) include peony, chrysanthemum, and lotus flowers
  • Symbolize wealth, longevity, and spiritual purity
  • Often used as decorative patterns on pottery, metalwork, and textiles