Korea

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Smile of Silla
Smile of Silla

This video explores the iconic “Smile of Silla,” a roof-end tile dating to the 7th century and designated a National Treasure in South Korea.

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A flower-shaped mirror from the Korean Goryeo (Koryo) dynasty—learning to look
A flower-shaped mirror from the Korean Goryeo (Koryo) dynasty—learning to look
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Early Korea

Korea's Neolithic and Bronze Age cultures are known for comb-pattern pottery and early bronze ritual objects that reveal the region's earliest artistic traditions.

Prehistoric Korea

Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla each developed distinct artistic traditions in tomb architecture, metalwork, and early Buddhist sculpture before Silla's unification of the peninsula.

Three Kingdoms

Unified Silla

After unifying the Korean peninsula in 668 CE, Silla entered a period of incredible flourishing in the arts, especially of Buddhist art.

Unified Silla

Goryeo dynasty

The period between 918 and 1392 is especially well known for its celadon ceramics and beautiful metalwork.

Goryeo

Joseon dynasty

Korea's longest-lasting dynasty, known for Confucian court culture, white porcelain, and literati ink painting.

Joseon
People visiting a large rock carving of Buddha and other sculptures in a mountain temple site, with stairs and greenery around.

Learn more about the famous overland and martime routes that connected Eurasia

The Silk Roads

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World Religon: Buddhism

  • Ancient stone sculpture of a serene figure with a halo, wearing an ornate headdress and traditional attire, showcasing intricate craftsmanship.

    Bodhisattvas

  • Byodo-in Temple in Uji, Japan, featuring traditional Japanese architecture.

    The Western Paradise

  • Ink painting of five persimmons on rice paper with a floral-patterned border.

    Chan (Zen) Buddhism

Learn about Buddhism

Related Resources

  • Buddhism Across Asia

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  • Early Imperial China

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  • Ancient Japan

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  • Classical Japan

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  • Ancient World

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