Korean Art

Question 1

What were the four major periods of Korean history and art?

Answer 1

1. Three Kingdoms Period (57 BCE - 668 CE)
2. Unified Silla Dynasty (668 - 935)
3. Goryeo (Koryo) Dynasty (918 - 1392)
4. Joseon (Choson) Dynasty (1392-1910)

Question 2

What type of works was the Three Kingdoms period known for?

Answer 2

• Figurative Vessels
• Goldwork
• Beginnings of Buddhist art

Question 3

Answer 3

• Name: Bird Vessel
• Artist: N/A
• Date: 2nd to 3rd Century
• Early example of sculptural Korean art, blend of naturalistic and abstracted elements, used for ritual purposes, found in tombs

Question 4

Answer 4

• Name: Warrior on Horseback
• Artist: N/A
• Date: 5th - 7th Century
• Made from Stoneware

Question 5

Answer 5

• Name: Dancers (wall painting)
• Artist: N/A
• Date: 5th Century
• Location: MuyongChong Tomb
• Kingdom: Goguryeo Kingdom
• Notable for the conventionalized figures and lively depiction

Question 6

Answer 6

• Name: Incense Burner
• Artist: N/A
• Date: 6th Century
• Location: Baekjae Kingdom
• Based on Chinese models from Han Dynasty; influence of Buddhism and Daoism in imagery of Dragon, Lotus, Mountain, and Phoenix

Question 7

Answer 7

• Name: Standing Buddha
• Artist: N/A
• Date: 6th Century
• Location: Silla Kingdom
• Modeled on Northern Wei sculpture of the Six Dynasties period
• Note the Famed Mandorla, Sawtooth Drapery, Traditional Lakshanas and Mudras

Answer 8

• Name: Seated Bodhisattva Maitreya
• Artist: N/A
• Date: 6th - 7th Century
• Location: Silla Kingdom
• Pose based on Chinese works, with new delicacy of figural style and contemplative posture

Question 9

What was the primary inspiration for the arts during the Unified Silla Dynasty?

Answer 9

• Buddhism is the state religion during this period, and as such is the primary inspiration for the arts

Question 10

Answer 10

• Name: Seated Shakyamuni Buddha
• Artist: N/A
• Date: 8th Century
• Location: Seokguram cave temple
• Noted for interior wall construction with measured and cut stone blocks. Portrayed with the Bhumisparsha Mudra, calling the earth to witness his enlightenment.
• Reflects Tang style and Indian influence

Question 11

Answer 11

• Name: Water-Moon Gwaneum
• Artist: N/A
• Date: Early 14th Century
• Location: N/A
• Hanging scroll, ink on silk
• Note the Buddha in his crown, willow branch of healing in kundika vase, princely garb, crystal rosary, full moon at the top of the painting, devotees at his feet

Question 12

What was the Joseon Dynasty known for?

Answer 12

• New ceramic wares: Burgeoning Ware, distinguished by bold rustic shapes and textures; admired by Japanese as a style compatible with tea ceremony culture
• Subjects span from Portraiture, Landscape and Nature and Genre

Question 13

Answer 13

• Name: Portrait of Sosan Taesa
• Artist: N/A
• Date: 17th Century
• Combines realistic attention to his features with abstracted stylization of the subject’s body

Question 14

Answer 14

• Name: Diamond Mountains
• Artist: Jeong Seon
• Date: 1734
• Example of “true-view” approach to landscape painting - Korean Topography - vs. Chinese inspired

Answer 15

• Name: Mice Nibbling at Watermelon
• Artist: Lady Sin Saimdang
• Date: 16th Century
• Focuses on Nature Subjects that incorporate symbolism for fertility, peace, and prosperity