3.2 Goryeo Buddhist painting

Goryeo Buddhist painting emerged during the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392 CE), blending Chinese influences with Korean traditions. These artworks showcased elegant figures, intricate details, and vibrant colors, reflecting the sophisticated religious culture of the period.

Notable for their refined aesthetics and spiritual depth, Goryeo Buddhist paintings featured themes like Bodhisattvas, paradise scenes, and Buddhist cosmology. Artists used silk supports, mineral pigments, and gold leaf to create visually stunning works that continue to influence Korean art today.

Origins of Goryeo Buddhism

• Goryeo Buddhism emerged during the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392 CE) as a significant cultural and religious force in Korean history
• Shaped the artistic landscape of Korea, influencing various forms of visual arts, particularly Buddhist paintings
• Developed unique characteristics while maintaining connections to broader East Asian Buddhist traditions

Influence of Chinese Buddhism

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• Tang and Song dynasty Buddhist practices heavily influenced Goryeo Buddhism
• Introduced new sutras, meditation techniques, and iconographic elements
• Chinese Chan (Zen) Buddhism gained popularity among Goryeo elites
• Resulted in the adoption of specific painting styles and themes from Chinese Buddhist art

Syncretic nature of Goryeo Buddhism

• Incorporated elements from various Buddhist schools (Seon, Pure Land, Esoteric)
• Integrated indigenous Korean beliefs and practices
• Blended Confucian and Daoist concepts with Buddhist philosophy
• Manifested in diverse artistic expressions, combining different iconographies and styles

Characteristics of Goryeo paintings

• Goryeo Buddhist paintings represent a high point in Korean art history, known for their refined aesthetics and spiritual depth
• Reflect the sophisticated religious and artistic culture of the Goryeo period
• Showcase a unique Korean interpretation of Buddhist themes and iconography

Stylistic elements

• Elegant and graceful figure depictions with elongated proportions
• Intricate details in clothing, jewelry, and architectural elements
• Use of gold leaf for halos, decorative patterns, and background elements
• Fluid, rhythmic brushwork creating a sense of movement and ethereality
• Balanced compositions with symmetrical arrangements of figures and objects

Common themes and motifs

• Bodhisattvas as central figures, especially Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin)
• Paradise scenes depicting Pure Land Buddhism concepts
• Narrative paintings illustrating Buddhist sutras and legends
• Depictions of Buddhist cosmology and realms of existence
• Inclusion of donor portraits in lower sections of paintings

Color palette and techniques

• Rich, vibrant colors dominated by reds, blues, and greens
• Use of mineral pigments for durability and brilliance
• Layering of colors to create depth and luminosity
• Subtle gradations and shading techniques for three-dimensional effects
• Contrasting light and dark areas to enhance visual impact and focus

Types of Buddhist paintings

• Goryeo Buddhist paintings encompass a wide range of subjects and styles, reflecting the diverse nature of Buddhist practice during this period
• Each type of painting served specific religious and artistic purposes within Goryeo Buddhist culture

Water-moon Avalokiteshvara

• Iconic representation of the bodhisattva of compassion
• Depicts Avalokiteshvara seated in a relaxed pose (lalitasana) near water
• Often includes a willow branch and vase as attributes
• Symbolizes the bodhisattva's ability to manifest in response to devotees' needs
• Characterized by serene expression and flowing robes

Amitabha Buddha

• Central figure in Pure Land Buddhism, representing the Buddha of Infinite Light
• Typically portrayed seated in meditation pose on a lotus throne
• Often surrounded by bodhisattvas and celestial beings in Western Paradise scenes
• Incorporates intricate details of heavenly palaces and landscapes
• Emphasizes the concept of rebirth in the Pure Land through devotion

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva

• Bodhisattva associated with the salvation of beings in hell realms
• Depicted as a monk holding a staff and wish-fulfilling jewel
• Often shown with six manifestations representing different realms of existence
• Includes scenes of hell and karmic retribution
• Reflects the importance of filial piety and ancestor worship in Goryeo culture

Materials and techniques

• Goryeo artists employed sophisticated materials and techniques to create their Buddhist paintings
• These methods contributed to the distinctive aesthetic and longevity of Goryeo Buddhist art

Silk vs paper

• Silk served as the primary support for high-quality Buddhist paintings
• Provided a smooth surface ideal for detailed brushwork and color application
• Paper occasionally used for less formal or preparatory works
• Silk paintings required special preparation techniques to accept pigments
• Choice of support material influenced the painting's durability and prestige

Pigments and dyes

• Mineral-based pigments extracted from natural sources (malachite, azurite, cinnabar)
• Organic dyes derived from plants and insects for certain colors
• Gold and silver pigments used for decorative elements and highlighting
• Binders mixed with pigments to ensure adhesion to the painting surface
• Layering of pigments to achieve desired color intensity and effects

Painting methods

• Outline and color-fill technique for primary forms and figures
• Gradual building up of colors through multiple layers for depth and luminosity
• Fine line work for details in facial features, clothing, and decorative patterns
• Wet-on-wet technique for subtle color blending and atmospheric effects
• Use of both broad and fine brushes for varied textures and strokes

Iconography and symbolism

• Goryeo Buddhist paintings incorporate a rich visual language of symbols and iconographic elements
• Understanding these symbols enhances appreciation of the paintings' religious and cultural significance

Buddhist deities and figures

• Specific attributes and postures identify different Buddhas and bodhisattvas
• Avalokiteshvara often depicted with multiple arms and heads, symbolizing omnipresence
• Wrathful deities represent the forceful aspect of compassion and wisdom
• Historical figures (Sakyamuni Buddha) and mythical beings (heavenly kings) included
• Hierarchical scaling used to indicate spiritual importance of figures

Symbolic objects and gestures

• Mudras (hand gestures) convey specific meanings and powers
• Lotus flowers represent purity and enlightenment
• Ritual objects (vajra, bell, wheel) symbolize various aspects of Buddhist teachings
• Animals (deer, lion) associated with particular deities or Buddhist concepts
• Celestial objects (sun, moon) indicate cosmic significance

Mandala compositions

• Geometric arrangements representing the Buddhist universe
• Central deity surrounded by concentric circles of attendant figures
• Four cardinal directions often marked by specific Buddhas or bodhisattvas
• Intricate patterns and symbols within mandala structure
• Used as aids for meditation and visualization practices

Patronage and production

• The creation of Goryeo Buddhist paintings involved a complex system of patronage and artistic production
• This system reflected the social, political, and religious structures of Goryeo society

Royal sponsorship

• Goryeo kings actively supported Buddhist institutions and art production
• Royal commissions for large-scale temple projects and important ritual paintings
• Paintings created to commemorate royal events or for merit-making purposes
• Establishment of royal painting ateliers specializing in Buddhist art
• Influence of royal taste on stylistic developments in Buddhist painting

Monastic workshops

• Major Buddhist temples maintained their own painting workshops
• Monks trained in both religious doctrine and artistic techniques
• Specialized in creating paintings for ritual use and temple decoration
• Preserved and transmitted artistic traditions through generations
• Collaborated with secular artists on large-scale projects

Commissioned works

• Wealthy aristocrats and officials commissioned Buddhist paintings for personal use
• Donor portraits often included in lower sections of commissioned works
• Paintings created for specific religious ceremonies or life events
• Tailored iconography and style to suit individual patrons' preferences
• Smaller-scale works produced for private devotional practices

Function and display

• Goryeo Buddhist paintings served various purposes within religious and social contexts
• The function and display of these paintings influenced their design and production

Temple decoration

• Large-scale paintings adorned temple halls and meditation spaces
• Murals depicting Buddhist cosmology and narratives covered walls
• Hanging scrolls displayed during specific ceremonies or seasons
• Paintings integrated with architectural elements to create immersive environments
• Rotated or changed according to liturgical calendar and special events

Ritual use

• Paintings employed as focal points for worship and meditation practices
• Specific iconographies corresponded to different types of Buddhist rituals
• Portable paintings used in processions and outdoor ceremonies
• Esoteric Buddhist practices utilized intricate mandalas and deity images
• Paintings sometimes imbued with sacred power through consecration rituals

Private devotion

• Smaller paintings and hanging scrolls created for personal shrines
• Folding screens with Buddhist themes used in aristocratic households
• Album leaves and hand scrolls for intimate viewing and contemplation
• Paintings as objects of merit-making and spiritual cultivation
• Passed down through families as heirlooms and objects of veneration

Notable examples

• Several important Goryeo Buddhist paintings have survived, providing insights into the artistic achievements of the period
• These examples showcase the diversity and sophistication of Goryeo Buddhist art

Goryeo Buddhist painting in museums

• Water-Moon Avalokiteshvara painting in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
• Amitabha Buddha triad in the National Museum of Korea, Seoul
• Ksitigarbha and the Ten Kings of Hell scroll in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
• Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara in the Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, Seoul
• Sakyamuni Triad in the Freer Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.

Surviving temple murals

• Buseoksa Temple murals depicting the Pure Land paradise
• Painting fragments from Songgwangsa Temple showing bodhisattva figures
• Mural paintings in Bongjeongsa Temple's Geukrakjeon Hall
• Remnants of wall paintings in Bulguksa Temple's Seokguram Grotto
• Recently uncovered mural fragments at Hwaeomsa Temple

Recently discovered works

• Cache of Goryeo Buddhist paintings found in Japanese collections
• Newly attributed Goryeo works in private collections coming to light
• Discoveries through scientific analysis and conservation efforts
• Paintings revealed during restoration of historic Korean temples
• Goryeo Buddhist art identified in international art markets and auctions

Influence and legacy

• Goryeo Buddhist painting had a lasting impact on Korean art and culture
• Its influence extended beyond the Goryeo period and continues to resonate in contemporary times

Impact on Korean art

• Established aesthetic standards for religious painting in Korea
• Influenced development of portrait painting and secular genres
• Techniques and styles adapted for Joseon dynasty Buddhist art
• Contributed to the formation of a distinct Korean artistic identity
• Inspired later Korean artists working in both traditional and modern styles

Preservation efforts

• Conservation and restoration projects to safeguard existing Goryeo paintings
• Digital documentation and high-resolution imaging of fragile works
• International collaborations for research and exhibition of Goryeo Buddhist art
• Training programs for specialists in conservation of Buddhist paintings
• Efforts to repatriate Goryeo paintings from foreign collections

Contemporary interpretations

• Modern Korean artists reinterpreting Goryeo Buddhist themes and techniques
• Integration of Goryeo aesthetic elements in contemporary Korean design
• Revival of traditional pigment-making and painting methods
• Use of Goryeo Buddhist imagery in popular culture and media
• Academic research expanding understanding of Goryeo Buddhist art's cultural significance