The so-called Three Kingdoms Period marks a phase of coalescence in Korean history. Three empires – Koguryŏ, Paekche and Silla – established independent reigns. In addition, several states, collectively referred to as Kaya, existed, yet even though located close to each other, they never became one state. The formation of the kingdoms dates back to the first century BC, however, their importance arose only in the fourth century after the Chinese Han commandery and thus the Chinese hegemony broke down. While the earlier centuries became denominated as Proto-Three Kingdoms Period, the phase which is to be dealt with in this essay is the Three Kingdoms Period, dating from c. 313 to 668. This phase came to an end when one of the kingdoms, Silla, finally managed to gain hegemony.
The importance of this period arises from its pottery – t’ogi – which is crucial to understand the renowned ceramic tradition of Korea. Both technical and stylistic innovations were achieved, so the earliest high-fired wares of the world are to be found not only in China but also in Korea. Furthermore, the potter’s wheel was largely used.
The present essay aims to depict the most important features of these developments by portraying each of the three kingdoms and the city states separately. Firstly, a short outline of the historical and geographical development needs to be given. Especially the “foreign” influences must be considered, such as the introduction of Buddhism and contact to China. Secondly, the most important characteristics and achievements of the art of pottery are examined. Short presentations of the most typical art objects of every region will be given to underline the explanations. Though on account of the brevity of this essay, no excavation sites will be considered and no other materials will be mentioned.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Kaya (AD 42-562)
- Silla (57 BC-AD 668)
- Paekche (18 BC-AD 663)
- Koguryŏ (37 BC-AD 668)
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay aims to describe the most important features of pottery development during Korea's Three Kingdoms Period (c. 313-668 AD). It will examine the historical and geographical context, including foreign influences like Buddhism and contact with China, and analyze the key characteristics and achievements in pottery art of each kingdom (Kaya, Silla, Paekche, and Koguryo).
- The development of pottery technology during the Three Kingdoms Period.
- The regional variations in pottery styles across the different kingdoms.
- The influence of foreign cultures on Korean pottery.
- The use of pottery in both ceremonial and everyday life.
- The transition from Proto-Three Kingdoms Period pottery techniques to the innovations of the Three Kingdoms period.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the historical context of the Three Kingdoms Period in Korea (c. 313-668 AD), highlighting the emergence of Koguryo, Paekche, and Silla as independent kingdoms, alongside the Kaya confederation. It emphasizes the importance of this period for understanding Korea's renowned ceramic tradition, noting significant technical and stylistic innovations in pottery, including the widespread adoption of the potter's wheel and the creation of some of the world's earliest high-fired wares. The essay's objective is clearly stated: to illustrate the key developments in pottery across these kingdoms, focusing on historical and geographical contexts, foreign influences, and the artistic characteristics of the pottery itself. The introduction lays the groundwork for a detailed examination of the pottery of each kingdom, starting with Kaya, due to its early innovations.
Kaya (AD 42-562): This section focuses on Kaya, a confederation of city-states in southern Korea. Its coastal location facilitated trade with China and Japan, influencing its cultural development. The chapter highlights Kaya's role as the origin of significant innovations in pottery technology. The transition from open or semi-open kilns to enclosed, sloping tunnel-kilns is detailed, emphasizing how this led to higher firing temperatures (1000°C or more), resulting in durable, non-porous stoneware suitable for various uses. The accidental discovery of a glaze-like by-product due to ash covering the pottery during high-temperature firing in oxidation conditions is also discussed. The shift towards reduction firing techniques towards the end of the firing process is mentioned, illustrating the level of technical sophistication achieved in Kaya pottery.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Korean Pottery During the Three Kingdoms Period
What is the main topic of this essay?
This essay focuses on the development of pottery during Korea's Three Kingdoms Period (c. 313-668 AD), examining the historical and geographical context, foreign influences (like Buddhism and contact with China), and the key characteristics and achievements in pottery art of each kingdom (Kaya, Silla, Paekche, and Koguryo).
Which kingdoms are discussed in the essay?
The essay covers the pottery of four kingdoms: Kaya, Silla, Paekche, and Koguryo. It examines the unique characteristics and developments in pottery within each kingdom.
What are the key themes explored in the essay?
The essay explores several key themes, including: the development of pottery technology during the Three Kingdoms Period; regional variations in pottery styles; the influence of foreign cultures on Korean pottery; the use of pottery in both ceremonial and everyday life; and the transition from Proto-Three Kingdoms Period pottery techniques to the innovations of the Three Kingdoms period.
What is the significance of the Kaya kingdom in pottery development?
The essay highlights Kaya's significant role in pottery innovation. It details Kaya's transition to enclosed, sloping tunnel-kilns, leading to higher firing temperatures and the creation of durable stoneware. The accidental discovery of a glaze-like by-product and the later adoption of reduction firing techniques are also discussed, showcasing Kaya's advanced pottery technology.
What is the overall structure of the essay?
The essay is structured with an introduction setting the historical context, followed by individual sections dedicated to each kingdom (Kaya, Silla, Paekche, and Koguryo). Each section explores the pottery styles and techniques specific to that kingdom.
What aspects of pottery are analyzed in this essay?
The essay analyzes various aspects of pottery, including technological advancements (kiln types, firing techniques), stylistic variations (regional differences), the influence of foreign cultures, and the functional uses of pottery (ceremonial and everyday).
What is the time period covered in this essay?
The essay covers the Three Kingdoms Period in Korea, approximately from 313 AD to 668 AD.
What is the purpose of the introduction chapter?
The introduction provides historical background on the Three Kingdoms Period, highlighting the emergence of the four kingdoms and emphasizing the significance of this period for understanding Korea's ceramic tradition. It clearly states the essay's objective and lays the groundwork for the following chapters.
- Quote paper
- M. A. Simone Kraft (Author), 2003, A summary of the Pottery of the Three Kingdoms Period in Korea, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/76199
