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Which three kingdoms shaped Korean art between about 57 BCE and 668 CE?
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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 three kingdoms that shaped Korean art between approximately 57 BCE and 668 CE were Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla.12
These monarchies established distinct cultural centers that influenced the development of art across the peninsula:
- Goguryeo: Located in the north, its art was influenced by the austere patterns of northern Asia and later by the introduction of Buddhism from China in 372 CE, which spurred the construction of temples and pagodas.1
- Baekje: Centered in the southwest, this kingdom was highly receptive to foreign influences, including those from China. It was the first to utilize granite in sculpture and pagoda construction and played a significant role in introducing Buddhism and writing to Japan.1
- Silla: The oldest of the three, based in the southeast, its art is noted for its distinctiveness and conservatism, likely due to its secluded geography. It is renowned for its rich gold ornaments and sophisticated burial treasures.1