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Course: Asian Art Museum > Unit 6
Lesson 2: Lesosn 2: The Goryeo DynastyThe Goryeo dynasty (918–1392)
The Goryeo dynasty (918–1392) was a period of intense religious fervor. Its people—from the rulers to their lowest subjects—were ardent believers in Buddhism.
This dynasty had a unique beginning. Its founder, Wang Geon (reigned 918–943), embraced his former rivals and brought them into the fold of his new dynasty. Wang Geon became the first great Korean patron of Buddhist art, mandating the building of ten Buddhist monasteries in his new capital city, Gaegyeong (present-day Gaeseong). A century later, there were more than seventy Buddhist monasteries in Songdo alone. This religious fervor culminated in the carving—not just once, but twice—of more than eighty thousand woodblocks representing a complete edition of the standard Buddhist texts.
Under the patronage of the royal court, the aristocracy, and the Buddhist elite—whose taste for luxury and refinement was unprecedented in Korean history—spectacular achievements were made in the arts. To meet the standards demanded by their patrons, Goryeo artisans created exquisite celadons, elegant Buddhist paintings, and superb inlaid metal crafts as well as inlaid lacquer ware. The Goryeo contribution to printing, the invention of the world's first movable type, exemplifies a commitment to learning that was a hallmark of this dynasty.
Want to join the conversation?
- Can anyone explain the contradiction of ardent Buddhism and material wealth? In this article, the first paragraph says that "Its people—from the rulers to their lowest subjects—were ardent believers in Buddhism" and the third paragraph says "royal court, the aristocracy, and the Buddhist elite—whose taste for luxury and refinement was unprecedented in Korean history". Buddhism is a religion which teaches ending suffering through the elimination of craving, greed, and self-indulgence. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism How can someone be an ardent Buddhist yet have unprecedented "taste for luxury and refinement"?(7 votes)
- That is the contradiction between reality and ideology my friend... just like what happens today.(7 votes)
- how did he embrace former rivals?(2 votes)
- He married their daughters and gave them cushy positions in the government and bureaucracy.(3 votes)
- can you explain how the Goryeo dynasty came to be? like how did they rise to power?what is their history?
And how did they fall?how did their dynasty end?(1 vote) - I forgot, why is there a pot there.(1 vote)
- Were most paintings stuff with Buddha on it?(1 vote)
- Yes. becase Goryeo was a Buddisum kingdom, and had many
stuff with Budda on it :)(1 vote)
- who was in charge in the family(1 vote)
- How many nations claim to be the inventors of both the printing press AND the moveable type?(1 vote)