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What kinds of Buddhist artworks were produced during the Unified Silla 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.
During the Unified Silla period (668–935), which is considered a golden age of ancient Korean art, a wide variety of Buddhist artworks were produced, characterized by a renewed prosperity and a high level of technical skill.12
Sculpture and Metalwork
- Stone Sculpture: This period is noted for producing more granite Buddhist images than any other era. Early works were influenced by Tang China, but by the 8th century, they evolved into a softened, naturalistic style, exemplified by the masterpieces at the Sŏkkuram cave temple.123
- Bronze and Iron: Bronzesmiths created massive temple bells, Buddhist statues, and sharira boxes for sacred ashes. Due to a later shortage of bronze, many statues were eventually cast in iron.143
Architecture and Ornamentation
- Pagodas: The period is famous for its stone pagodas, such as the Shakyamuni and Tabot’ap pagodas at Pulguk Temple, which demonstrate sophisticated masonry and balanced proportions.2
- Ornamentation: Temples featured high-quality architectural decorations, including roof tiles adorned with floral and animal designs.12
Painting
- Buddhist Painting: While rare, at least one painting from this period has survived, depicting a Buddhist sermon using fine gold lines on blue-brown paper.12