Korea: Art and Archaeology

by Jane Portal

A fully illustrated chronological account of the arts and archaeology of Korea from the Neolithic period to the twentieth century. The geographical location of the Korean peninsula, which lies at the eastern edge of Asia between China, Russia, and Japan, has been crucial to its history and culture. Divided into several states or kingdoms from early times and suffering invasion and occupation from China, Manchuria, Mongolia, and Japan, Korea nevertheless remained a unified country from the seventh century to the twentieth. This book traces the development of its culture through art and archaeology, beginning in the Neolithic period (c. 6000 B.C.). Buddhism, introduced to Korea from China during the first millennium A.D., was to become the dominant religion throughout the succeeding centuries, reaching its height of wealth and influence in the Koryo dynasty (918-1392) as the aristocratic lifestyle at court became increasingly lavish. Confucianism replaced Buddhism during the Choson dynasty (1392-1910), but both traditions continued to be represented. The illustrations include some of the highest achievements of Korean craftsmen, from precious metalwork, sculpture, and lacquer to celadons, painting, and printing.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, History, Archaeology

240 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2000

Reviews

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent book to serve as an introduction overview of period art and architecture. Portal reviews period porcelain/pottery, art, calligraphy, painting, metal craft and jewelry, architecture, and just enough context of each period to give the art some proper setting. I felt, at times, there weren't enough photos of various art. And the most frustrating part of this book is that she, at times, mentioned or spent 1-2 paragraphs on a piece of art and the book didn't provide a single photo of it.

There was a very selectively cursory or detailed feel to this book: Portal went into depth on more piece than some, which was also more frustrating.

Again, good to start with this book, but use it to branch off into more detailed reviews of, perhaps, Goryo only period works; or Choson period works.

[John Newcomb · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting and intriguing consideration of Korean culture which has for centuries acted as a buffer between China and Japan whilst trying to maintain its own identity.