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How did Buddhism influence Korean art during the Three Kingdoms period?
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Korean art
Dragon jar, porcelain with iron-painted decoration under clear glaze, Korea, mid-17th century; in the Brooklyn Museum, New York. 31.4 × 37.1 cm. Diameter at mouth 12 cm. Diameter at base 9.5 cm.
The introduction of Buddhism to the Three Kingdoms—beginning with the Koguryŏ kingdom in 372 ce—acted as a major catalyst for artistic development, establishing the faith as a primary subject of Korean art for centuries.1
The influence of Buddhism manifested in several key ways:
- Architecture: The adoption of the faith prompted the construction of temples and pagodas. Notably, the Paekche kingdom pioneered the use of granite for these structures, a material that became a hallmark of Korean religious architecture.1
- Sculpture: The creation of Buddha images became a central artistic pursuit. Early Koguryŏ sculpture, such as gilt-bronze figures, reflected the stylized, linear traditions of Northern Chinese art. Over time, the Paekche kingdom developed a more naturalistic style characterized by rounder, expressive faces—often called the "Paekche smile"—influenced by Southern Chinese artisans. The Silla kingdom adopted this naturalism but maintained a more conservative, static approach, eventually incorporating Tang dynasty influences that emphasized body mass in stone statuary.12
- Cultural Exchange: Buddhism served as a vehicle for cultural transmission; the Paekche kingdom was instrumental in introducing the religion and associated artistic styles to Japan.1