Earthenware
Earthenware from the Neolithic Age in Korea feature “decorative designs and primitive
sculptural pieces as well as stone implements, bone and horn objects and shell vessels”
(Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, 1958, p. 337).
sculptural pieces as well as stone implements, bone and horn objects and shell vessels”
(Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, 1958, p. 337).
Earthen vessel with fir-needle pattern
Neolithic Age Chitap-ri, Pongsan County, North Hwanghae Province 492 mm high A once widely used vessel, "made of clay mixed with asbestos and talc which provide a good plastic condition in the kneading and prevent cracking in the firing" (Korean historic relics, 1980). These broad-mouthed vessels with pointed bottoms and pressed pattern decorations often occur in the northwestern region of the country. |
Koguryŏ Tomb Murals
(4th-7th centuries)
The fine arts of Korea made significant development during the age of the Three Kingdoms (c. 57 BCE-668 CE) after
mid-1st-century BCE. Of the Three Kingdoms (Koguryŏ, Baekje, and Silla), the Kingdom of Koguryŏ (Kokuryo/Goguryeo)
is now widely known for its mural paintings within its ancient tombs. The Koguryŏ Kingdom has also produced beautifully
designed roof tiles and bricks and small Buddhist images found at ancient sites and tombs
(Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, 1958, p. 337).
mid-1st-century BCE. Of the Three Kingdoms (Koguryŏ, Baekje, and Silla), the Kingdom of Koguryŏ (Kokuryo/Goguryeo)
is now widely known for its mural paintings within its ancient tombs. The Koguryŏ Kingdom has also produced beautifully
designed roof tiles and bricks and small Buddhist images found at ancient sites and tombs
(Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, 1958, p. 337).
The murals in the tomb of King Michon
"The tomb of King Michon, a depository of Koguryo culture buried for 1,600 years, was unearthed in 1949 in the epoch of the Workers' Party. This old relic has a notable value for the identification of the deceased, its excellent architectural structure and fine execution" (Korean fine arts, 1978, p. 4). |
Part of "The Portrait of Spouse of the Deceased"
4th century Anak Tomb no. 3 (Korean fine arts, 1978) |
Part of "The Portrait of Spouse of the Deceased"
4th century Anak Tomb no. 3 (Korean fine arts, 1978) |
Most of the murals displayed the power and dignity of the ruling class and the belief in the soul’s immortality.
It was believed that the next life was an extension of the life in this world, so murals often depicted family members
and attendants, musicians and wrestlers for entertainment, cooks, maids, wells, meat storages, carriages, and household utensils.
These figures ensured that the dead would have a comfortable life in the other world
(Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, 1958, p. 337).
It was believed that the next life was an extension of the life in this world, so murals often depicted family members
and attendants, musicians and wrestlers for entertainment, cooks, maids, wells, meat storages, carriages, and household utensils.
These figures ensured that the dead would have a comfortable life in the other world
(Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, 1958, p. 337).
Hyonmoo
6th century Chian Tombs (Mural paintings of Koguryo, 1979) |
"Yellow dragon painted on the ceiling"
6th century Chian Tombs (Mural paintings of Koguryo, 1979) |
Joojak
Medium Tomb in Kangsu (Mural paintings of Kokuryo tombs, 1957) |
"Paintings on the ceiling"
7th century Kangso Big Tomb (Mural paintings of Koguryo, 1979) |
There are also numerous paintings of the four divine guardians:
Chungryong (blue dragon), guardian of the east cardinal point
Baikho (white tiger), guardian of the west cardinal point
Joojak (red phoenix), guardian of the south cardinal point
Hyunmoo (snake tortoise), guardian of the north cardinal point
The four divine guardians were painted on the four walls of the burial chamber along with depictions of
“the sun and moon, giraffe, phoenix tortoise, heavenly being, fairy, monster painted on the ceiling”
(Mural paintings of Kokuryo tombs, 1957). Together, it was believed they would protect the deceased’s soul.
Chungryong (blue dragon), guardian of the east cardinal point
Baikho (white tiger), guardian of the west cardinal point
Joojak (red phoenix), guardian of the south cardinal point
Hyunmoo (snake tortoise), guardian of the north cardinal point
The four divine guardians were painted on the four walls of the burial chamber along with depictions of
“the sun and moon, giraffe, phoenix tortoise, heavenly being, fairy, monster painted on the ceiling”
(Mural paintings of Kokuryo tombs, 1957). Together, it was believed they would protect the deceased’s soul.
Silla Granite and Metalwork
(7th-10th centuries)
Referred to as the golden age for Korean art, the United Silla dynasty (668-935) has produced various
remarkable works such as sculptures in royal tombs, temples, stupas, and Buddhist images. According to
Britannica (n.d.), this period produced “more granite Buddhist images and pagodas than any other period.”
Another characteristic of this period was the high-quality architectural ornamentation production,
such as roof tiles, which had floral and animal designs
(Britannica, n.d., Unified, or Great, Silla period).
remarkable works such as sculptures in royal tombs, temples, stupas, and Buddhist images. According to
Britannica (n.d.), this period produced “more granite Buddhist images and pagodas than any other period.”
Another characteristic of this period was the high-quality architectural ornamentation production,
such as roof tiles, which had floral and animal designs
(Britannica, n.d., Unified, or Great, Silla period).
Statue of Sakyamuni Tathagata of the Sŏkkuram Temple
Silla (mid-8th century) Mt. T’oham, Kyŏngju, North Kyŏngsang Province about 3.5 m (Korean historic relics, 1980) One noteworthy piece from this period is the Sŏkkuram (stone cave), which was constructed in the 8th century. Sŏkkuram (Seokgul-am/Sukkool-am/석굴암), is an artificial Buddhist cave temple located on the crest of Mount T’oham in Kyŏngju, South Korea (Britannica, n.d., Sŏkkuram). In the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (1958), Sŏkkuram is described as having “unique and excellent craftsmanship with which the granite blocks were handled in building the cave,” and describes its enshrined Buddhist images as having “high artistic value” and “harmonious composition” (p. 339).
|
During the Three Kingdoms period, metalwork was one of the most developed mediums, with
the best surviving pieces from Silla tombs. Many extravagant gold ornaments were found through excavations,
displaying the luxury that Silla aristocrats had at the time
(Britannica, n.d., Metalwork (Korea), Silla).
the best surviving pieces from Silla tombs. Many extravagant gold ornaments were found through excavations,
displaying the luxury that Silla aristocrats had at the time
(Britannica, n.d., Metalwork (Korea), Silla).
Naegangri Gold Buddhist Image
Between the last period of Silla and the early period of Koryŏ (10th century) Naegang-ri, Kŭmgang County, Kangwŏn Province 140 mm high (Korean historic relics, 1980) |
The Gold Crown of Silla
Silla (5th century) Kyŏngju, North Kyŏngsang Province 444 mm high (Korean historic relics, 1980) |
Naegangri Gold Buddhist Image (back)
Between the last period of Silla and the early period of Koryŏ (10th century) Naegang-ri, Kŭmgang County, Kangwŏn Province 140 mm high (Korean historic relics, 1980) |
Koryŏ Celadon
(10th-late 14th centuries)
The Koryŏ dynasty superseded the Silla dynasty in the 10th century. During this period, the production
of ceramics flourished as a distinctive kind of porcelain with celadon glaze was developed. Most Koryŏ celadon
on exhibit today come from tombs, as celadon wares were customarily buried with the dead
(Britannica, n.d., Korean art-decorative arts).
of ceramics flourished as a distinctive kind of porcelain with celadon glaze was developed. Most Koryŏ celadon
on exhibit today come from tombs, as celadon wares were customarily buried with the dead
(Britannica, n.d., Korean art-decorative arts).
The Flower Vase Inlaid with the Design of a Child Figure
Koryŏ 320 mm high (Korean historic relics, 1980) |
The Bottle Inlaid with the Design of Cranes and Flowers
Koryŏ 140 mm high (Korean historic relics, 1980) |
"A finishing touch to a vase fashioned after the renowned Koryŏ celadon
(at the P'yŏngyang Ceramic Factory)"
(Korean handicrafts, 1960)
(at the P'yŏngyang Ceramic Factory)"
(Korean handicrafts, 1960)
Chosŏn Paintings
(late 14th-early 20th centuries)
During the Chosŏn dynasty (Yi dynasty/Li dynasty), notably in the mid-15 century, various art forms,
including painting, flourished. These paintings excellently depict the “essence of the object through the characteristic
combination of lines and the subtle nuance of Chinese ink”
(Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, 1958, p. 340).
From the late 17th century, paintings leaning towards realism became more prominent.
Figures of interest were Korean scenery and the life and sentiments of the people.
including painting, flourished. These paintings excellently depict the “essence of the object through the characteristic
combination of lines and the subtle nuance of Chinese ink”
(Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, 1958, p. 340).
From the late 17th century, paintings leaning towards realism became more prominent.
Figures of interest were Korean scenery and the life and sentiments of the people.
"Dragon-angler"
Anonymous
17th century
127 cm x 75 cm
(Korean fine arts, 1978)
Anonymous
17th century
127 cm x 75 cm
(Korean fine arts, 1978)
"After Picking Up Herbs"
Kim Hong Do 18th-early 19th century 26 cm x 19 cm (Korean fine arts, 1978) In the late 18th century, a realistic painter, Kim Hong Do (Gim Hongdo), emerged, whose paintings are still admired today.
He saw the life of the working people of his time with eyes of love and sympathy and depicted it with simple but powerful lines. At the same time he mercilessly exposed and directed poignant satire at corruption of the ruling ryangbans and monks” |
"Kingfishers on a Lotus Pond"
Chang Sung Op (1843-1897) 146 cm x 47 cm (Korean fine arts, 1978) |
At the end of the Chosŏn period, the history of fine arts has culminated in Chang Seung Up's (Chang Sŭng-ŏp) works, “which bear imprints of a close observer, show that he commanded excellent technique and was a man of genius” (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, 1958, p. 340).
|
"Crabs"
Chang Sung Op (1843-1897) 146 cm x 47 cm (Korean fine arts, 1978) |
Music, Dance, and Drama
After the August 15th liberation, Korean dancers were deeply inspired by the policy of the Workers’ Party of Korea
on Korean literature and art. They made strenuous efforts to discover and develop traditional Korean dances,
as well as create popular dances that reflect the new reality
(Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, 1958, p. 367).
There is estimated to be around 30 professional music groups in North Korea, such as the State National Art Theatre,
the State Symphony Orchestra, the State Dance Theatre, and many others including local song and dance groups
(Facts about Korea, 1964, p. 213). There are also around 20 professional theatrical groups, such as the State Drama Theatre,
the Pyongyang Theatre, the Youth Theatre, a puppet theatre and local drama companies (Facts about Korea, 1964, p. 215-216).
on Korean literature and art. They made strenuous efforts to discover and develop traditional Korean dances,
as well as create popular dances that reflect the new reality
(Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, 1958, p. 367).
There is estimated to be around 30 professional music groups in North Korea, such as the State National Art Theatre,
the State Symphony Orchestra, the State Dance Theatre, and many others including local song and dance groups
(Facts about Korea, 1964, p. 213). There are also around 20 professional theatrical groups, such as the State Drama Theatre,
the Pyongyang Theatre, the Youth Theatre, a puppet theatre and local drama companies (Facts about Korea, 1964, p. 215-216).
"Group dance 'Joy of the Converter Operator' staged by amateur dancers of
the Bongoong Chemical Factory." (Album of Korean music and dance, 1964) |
"'White Apricot, a Special Product of Hoiryung' presented by members of the
Obong Co-operative Farm, Hoiryung County, North Hamgyung Province." (Album of Korean music and dance, 1964) |
Millions of working men and women in factories, farms, fishing villages, and mines also
participate in music and dance. National annual contests are organized for these amateur performers.
(Album of Korean music and dance, 1964)
participate in music and dance. National annual contests are organized for these amateur performers.
(Album of Korean music and dance, 1964)
"Song and Dance 'The Capital by Night' presented by National Art Theatre"
(Album of Korean music and dance, 1964)
(Album of Korean music and dance, 1964)
Resources from the North Korean Special Collection
Album of Korean music and dance
1964 UH Mānoa Hamilton Library
(Please contact the Korea Studies Librarian for more information about this resource.) This book describes traditional Korean folksongs, musical storytelling, traditional music, and dance before Japan's occupation. Also, it shows how North Korean music and dance have evolved along with the Chullima, reflecting socialist ideology. Chiefly colored illustration. |
UH Mānoa Hamilton Library
DS932 .A252 This book was published to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's founding. It also includes a general picture of the geography, history, literature, and cultural traditions. |
UH Mānoa Hamilton Library
DS932 .F33 This book includes general information about North Korea such as geography and population, administrative division history, history of DPRK, DPRK system, foreign relations, national economy, industry, agriculture, transport, and communications, city planning, finance, public health, education, science, press media, literature and art, sports, culture, South Korea, and unification. |
UH Mānoa Hamilton Library
ML50.Z99 F273 1976 This book includes the playscript for the revolutionary opera based on the immortal classic play: the Fate of a Self-Defence Corps Man. It was produced and staged in the 1930’s during the glorious anti-Japanese revolutionary struggle --From Publisher. |
UH Mānoa Hamilton Library
NA1560 .K67 1959 This pamphlet consists mainly of photographs of various Korean architecture—both traditional and modern buildings. |
UH Mānoa Hamilton Library
N3750.P9 K67 This book mainly contains photographs of murals in the Koguryo Tombs and other paintings from around the 4th-19th centuries that the Korean Art Museum preserves. |
Korean handbook.
1959 UH Mānoa Hamilton Library
DS932 .K841 This book contains general information about Korea such as geography, history, Korean people, unification, foreign relations, state system, political/social organizations, economy, industry, agriculture, transportation, and culture. |
Korean handicrafts
1960 UH Mānoa Hamilton Library
(Please contact the Korea Studies Librarian for more information about this resource.) This book highlights Korean handicrafts, describing its excellencies, such as the golden crown of the Silla Dynasty and the porcelain of the Koryŏ period. It also explains the popularity of Korean handicrafts in the market worldwide, as well as the hardships faced during Japanese rule. Chiefly colored illustrations. |
UH Mānoa Hamilton Library
DS932.5 .K67 1980 This book introduces relics of architecture, paintings, sculpture, and applied arts from the Paleolithic Age (600-400 millenniums ago) to the beginning of the 20th century--From Foreword. Mainly photographs, with descriptions. |
UH Mānoa Hamilton Library
ND2853.7.K6 M86 This book mainly contains photographs of the mural paintings found in major tombs, including Anak Tomb no. 3, Tokhung-ri Mural Tomb, Susan-ri Tomb, etc. |
UH Mānoa Hamilton Library
ND2853.5 .M87 This book mainly contains photographs of the mural paintings inside the Kokuryo tombs. Foreword provides some information about the Kokuryo tombs and murals. |
UH Mānoa Hamilton Library
M1816 .S45 This book contains music sheets for various Korean songs with transliterated Korean and English lyrics. |
UH Mānoa Hamilton Library
M1816 .S633 This book includes a music sheet for the Song of General Kim Il Sung, accompanied with lyrics in Korean, English, and a transliteration of the Korean lyrics. |
UH Mānoa Hamilton Library
ML50.Z99 S666 1974 This book includes the playscript for the Song of Kumgang-san Mountain. The story begins in the autumn of the 1960s, with the characters singing of Kumgang-san. |
References
Album of Korean music and dance. (1964). Foreign Languages Publishing House.
Britannica. (n.d.). Korean art-decorative arts. In Britannica. Retrieved May 15, 2021, from https://www.britannica.com/art/Korean-art/Decorative-arts
Britannica. (n.d.). Metalwork (Korea). In Britannica. Retrieved May 15, 2021, from https://www.britannica.com/topic/metalwork/Korea
Britannica. (n.d.). Silla. In Britannica. Retrieved May 15, 2021, from https://www.britannica.com/place/Silla
Britannica. (n.d.). Sŏkkuram. In Britannica. Retrieved May 15, 2021, from https://www.britannica.com/place/Sokkuram
Britannica. (n.d.). Three Kingdoms period (c. 57 BCE–668 CE). In Britannica. Retrieved May 15, 2021, from https://www.britannica.com/art/Korean-art/Three-Kingdoms-period-c-57-bce-668-ce
Britannica. (n.d.). Unified, or Great, Silla period (668–935). In Britannica. Retrieved May 15, 2021, from https://www.britannica.com/art/Korean-art/Unified-or-Great-Silla-period-668-935
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. (1958). Foreign Languages Publishing House.
Facts about Korea. (1964). D.P.R.K., Foreign Languages Publishing House.
Korean fine arts : from the works preserved by the Korean Art Museum (old paintings--murals of the Anak Tomb and paintings in the period of Li Dynasty). (1978). Foreign Languages Publishing House.
Korean handicrafts. (1960). Foreign Languages Publishing House.
Korean historic relics. (1980). Cultural Relics Publishing House.
Mural paintings of Koguryo. (1979). Korean Central Historical Museum.
Mural paintings of Kokuryo tombs. (1957). Foreign Languages Publishing House.
Britannica. (n.d.). Korean art-decorative arts. In Britannica. Retrieved May 15, 2021, from https://www.britannica.com/art/Korean-art/Decorative-arts
Britannica. (n.d.). Metalwork (Korea). In Britannica. Retrieved May 15, 2021, from https://www.britannica.com/topic/metalwork/Korea
Britannica. (n.d.). Silla. In Britannica. Retrieved May 15, 2021, from https://www.britannica.com/place/Silla
Britannica. (n.d.). Sŏkkuram. In Britannica. Retrieved May 15, 2021, from https://www.britannica.com/place/Sokkuram
Britannica. (n.d.). Three Kingdoms period (c. 57 BCE–668 CE). In Britannica. Retrieved May 15, 2021, from https://www.britannica.com/art/Korean-art/Three-Kingdoms-period-c-57-bce-668-ce
Britannica. (n.d.). Unified, or Great, Silla period (668–935). In Britannica. Retrieved May 15, 2021, from https://www.britannica.com/art/Korean-art/Unified-or-Great-Silla-period-668-935
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. (1958). Foreign Languages Publishing House.
Facts about Korea. (1964). D.P.R.K., Foreign Languages Publishing House.
Korean fine arts : from the works preserved by the Korean Art Museum (old paintings--murals of the Anak Tomb and paintings in the period of Li Dynasty). (1978). Foreign Languages Publishing House.
Korean handicrafts. (1960). Foreign Languages Publishing House.
Korean historic relics. (1980). Cultural Relics Publishing House.
Mural paintings of Koguryo. (1979). Korean Central Historical Museum.
Mural paintings of Kokuryo tombs. (1957). Foreign Languages Publishing House.
Images
About page
Header Image:
Anonymous. (18th century). Spring on a Hill [Painting]. Korean fine arts. p. 36-37.
Exhibit hall button background image:
(late 5th century to early 6th century). Lotus pond [tomb mural]. Mural paintings of Koguryo. Chinpa-ri Tomb no. 4. p. 57.
Exhibit Hall:
Header Image:
Anonymous. (18th century). Spring on a Hill [Painting]. Korean fine arts. p. 36-37.
Header Image:
Anonymous. (18th century). Spring on a Hill [Painting]. Korean fine arts. p. 36-37.
Exhibit hall button background image:
(late 5th century to early 6th century). Lotus pond [tomb mural]. Mural paintings of Koguryo. Chinpa-ri Tomb no. 4. p. 57.
Exhibit Hall:
Header Image:
Anonymous. (18th century). Spring on a Hill [Painting]. Korean fine arts. p. 36-37.
© 2021 Asia Collection, Thomas Hale Hamilton Library, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa