Journal of Korean Art and Archaeology Vol.16
2022. 01.
2577-9842
2951-4983
INTRODUCE
- The Baekje Kingdom within East Asia: The Tomb of King Muryeong
- This issue represents a compilation of papers that were originally presented at an academic conference held to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the discovery of the Tomb of King Muryeong. They have subsequently been reworked. This issue comprises a total of four papers, the contents of which are as follows. Cultural Exchange and International Interaction in East Asia as Seen through the Tomb of King Muryeong (by Kwon Ohyoung) One of the many values of the Tomb of King Muryeong is that it presents vivid evidence of exchange, not only centered around the Korean Peninsula, but also across the whole of Northeast Asia, including China and Japan. The fact that not only the tomb’s structure and artifacts but also the underlying perceptions of the afterlife and Buddhist ideology were shared throughout Northeast Asia can be regarded as proof of this fact. The results of the recently undertaken scientific analysis also revealed that the artifacts from the Tomb of King Muryeong include objects that were originally made in Northeast Asia and even beyond in Southeast and South Asia. Research on the Excavation and Investigation of the Tomb of King Muryeong (by Kang Wonpyo) The excavation of the Tomb of King Muryeong in 1971 faced many shortcomings due to the circumstances and resulting limitations of the period during which the excavation took place. The loss of precise information on the context of the numerous artifacts has led to great difficulties in restoring the various ornaments and in interpreting the use of individual artifacts. In order to overcome these difficulties, Gongju National Museum has been continuously conducting research on the artifacts from the excavation during the fifty years since it took place. As a result, it was possible to identify new artifacts that were not recognized at the time of excavation, and to correct wrong information about some of the artifacts. The problems and limitations exposed through the excavation of the Tomb of King Muryeong provided the Korean archaeological community with a great opportunity to improve. The excavation ensured that the investigation of the Silla royal tombs in Gyeongju, which took place from the early 1970s onwards, was carried out systematically. In this regard, the excavation of ancient royal tombs in Korea can be divided into those that took place before the discovery of the Tomb of King Muryeong and those that took place afterwards. Cultural Exchange among the Three Kingdoms as Revealed by Artifacts from the Tomb of King Muryeong (by Lee Hansang) The international nature of the Tomb of King Muryeong can also be observed in the adjacent tomb cultures of Gaya and Silla. The patterns and techniques that were created or advanced in constructing the Tomb of King Muryeong later spread to neighboring Gaya and Silla. The use of stone chamber tombs with tunnel-shaped ceilings in Goryeong, along with the custom of laying to rest married couples side by side, can be regarded as part of the influence of the tomb culture of the Ungjin period, representative of which is the Tomb of King Muryeong. The influence of the artifacts from the Tomb of King Muryeong can also be clearly observed in Dae Gaya’s earrings, swords with ring-shaped pommels, and metal vessels. Conversely, it is also possible to confirm that Silla’s metal craftsmanship influenced Baekje’s technological manufacturing during the Ungjin period. Critical Review on the Metalworks in the Tomb of King Muryeong (by Joo Kyeongmi) Although there have been debates on the metalworks from the Tomb of King Muryeong regarding their place of manufacture, inferences on manufacturing technology based on detailed observations of artifact form and comparative studies with similar items from neighboring regions, have slowly shed light on issues of provenance. Nevertheless, there are still areas where research is lacking. The most severe of which are the bronze mirrors. Three bronze mirrors were recovered from the Tomb of King Muryeong, which is an interesting fact given that the custom of depositing bronze mirrors as grave goods has rarely been observed in Baekje tombs. Due to this reason, comparative research has been undertaken on similar examples from China and Japan in order to ascertain the place of manufacture of the bronze mirrors, but a full-scale review has yet to be conducted. It is suggested in this paper that, based on detailed observations, it is likely that the bronze mirrors from the Tomb of King Muryeong were made by a Baekje craftsperson. The Openness and Dynamism of Korean Ancient Culture It cannot be said that the full picture of the Tomb of King Muryeong and its excavated artifacts can be obtained through the four papers introduced in this volume. This is because the amount of information provided by the site is, indeed, enormous. Although fifty years have already passed since the studies on the Tomb of King Muryeong and its excavated artifacts first began, it is expected that new research will continue to take place, based on various perspectives and utilizing new methodologies and technology. In the early days, research was driven by the visual observations of textual and material evidence undertaken by historians and archaeologists. Over time, however, scientific techniques were adopted to explore issues of production and technology. The emergence of new scientific methods and developments in conservation technology are expected to steer research on the artifacts from the Tomb of King Muryeong in an entirely new direction. For example, in the early days of research, the main focus was on understanding the nature of foreign exchange with Chinese and Japanese regions through the study of artifacts. However, as a result of the confirmation that many of the glass beads from the tomb were imports that were produced in India or Southeast Asia, there have been changes in the direction of research. Research interests have now expanded beyond Northeast Asia to encompass Southeast and South Asia as well. Baekje, during the reign of King Muryeong, competed fiercely with Goguryeo while at the same time maintaining friendly relations with the neighboring polities of Gaya, Silla, Wa of the Japanese Archipelago, and China’s Southern Dynasties. Advanced science, technology, and ideology, rather than slaughter and warfare, were exchanged between China, the Korean Peninsula, and the Japanese Archipelago. This played an important role in enhancing the overall cultural level of Northeast Asia and evening out large discrepancies between cultures. A cultural highway, in a sense, was laid out. In this regard, the value of the Tomb of King Muryeong should be evaluated from the perspective of Northeast Asia and even East Asia, and not be limited to its relevance to ancient Korean history. Rather than emphasizing the tomb’s role as a representation of the excellence and uniqueness of ancient Korean culture, the tomb should be evaluated as a vivid example of the value of cultural sharing and peaceful exchange in Northeast Asia. It is here that the outstanding universal value of the many heritage sites included in the Baekje Historic Areas, including the tomb of King Muryeong, should be found.
Kwon Ohyoung Professor, Seoul National University
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GO TO KONGNPARK.COM- Kwon Ohyoung(Professor, Seoul National University)
The royal fortress of Baekje, Sabiseong, was captured by Silla and Tang forces in 660 CE, leading to the collapse of Baekje. The remaining population tried to resist but failed by 663 CE. Post-collapse, many Baekje people assimilated into Silla or emigrated to Japan. The kingdom of Later Baekje emerged in the ninth century but failed as a true restoration. Historical narratives largely neglected Baekje, overshadowed by Goguryeo and Silla, until the 1971 discovery of King Muryeong's tomb unveiled insights into Baekje's past. The tomb, rich with artifacts, has rejuvenated research, revealing Baekje's historical and craft excellence. Studies indicate cultural exchanges within Northeast Asia and beyond. King Muryeong's era saw advanced science, technology, and cultural interactions, highlighting peaceful cultural exchanges in the region. The artifacts and findings from King Muryeong's tomb are vital for understanding Baekje's historical significance and its cultural ties across East Asia.
- Kwon Ohyoung(Professor, Seoul National University)
Since its discovery in 1971, the Tomb of King Muryeong has been extensively studied, offering insights into Baekje's Ungjin period history and culture. The Gongju National Museum has led scientific analysis of unpublished artifacts, vital for research progression. While Korean scholars initially struggled with its architectural Chinese influences, comparative studies confirm its link to Six Dynasties brick chamber tombs. Research focuses on King Muryeong's tomb artifacts' origins, revealing Baekje's connection with Asia. Key topics include personal ornaments, jade beads, and comparisons with Chinese and Japanese artifacts. Future studies should deepen understanding of Baekje's cultural exchanges with neighboring regions and explore interdisciplinary methodologies, placing greater emphasis on intangible cultural elements.
- Kang Wonpyo(Chief Curator, Jinju National Museum)
In 475 CE, Baekje's capital Hanseong fell to Goguryeo forces, leading to King Gaero's death. King Munju relocated the capital to Ungjin (modern Gongju) for strategic defense, marking Baekje's second capital. Despite efforts by his successors, royal authority weakened. King Muryeong restored stability with military and diplomatic successes, leading to Baekje's cultural revival. His tomb, discovered in 1971, offered valuable artifacts and insights into Baekje's history and international relations, influencing Korean archaeology and earning UNESCO recognition in 2015.
- Lee Hansang(Professor, Daejeon University)
In 1971, the Tomb of King Muryeong, the 25th Baekje monarch, was discovered in Gongju, revealing many artifacts, including luxurious Baekje items and a few from China's Southern Dynasties. This initiated research into Baekje's Ungjin period. The tomb's findings and their stylistic links to earlier periods reflect the cultural exchanges between Baekje, Silla, and Gaya. Despite periods of alliance, few artifacts from Silla and Baekje have been found in each other's sites, while Baekje items in Gaya suggest unilateral cultural influence.
- Joo Kyeongmi(Lecturer, Chungnam National University)
The Tomb of King Muryeong, discovered by accident in 1971 in Gongju, Korea, is significant for being the only untouched royal tomb from the Baekje Kingdom. It holds cultural and historical importance as the sole identified tomb from the Three Kingdoms period. The tomb’s artifacts, now in the Gongju National Museum, have been the focus of extensive study. These artifacts, primarily metalworks, showcase high craftsmanship with a unique blend of international influences, such as Buddhist art from Northern Wei and Han Chinese styles, highlighting Baekje's complex cultural interactions.
- Lee Soomi(Director, Gwangju National Museum)
Sixteenth-century paintings illustrate a transition from early to mid-Joseon period styles, dominated by court painter An Gyeon. The paintings "Gyeongpodae Pavilion" and "Chongseokjeong Pavilion" from 1557, detailed in a colophon, differ in their focus on natural beauty, marking a significant development in real scenery landscape painting. The colophon reveals production details and connection to historical figures like Park Chung-gan and Hong Yeon. These works, originally part of a folding screen, showcase unique compositions and portray nature's essence, enriched by heptasyllabic quatrains. The paintings signal innovation in sixteenth-century landscape art, including varied perspectives and texture techniques. They are crucial for understanding real scenery painting evolution, offering a glimpse into historical documentation through art and literature.
- Shin Yongbi(Curator, National Museum of Korea),
- Kim Jiho(Curator, Buyeo National Museum)
The Gilt-bronze Standing Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, National Treasure No. 293, discovered in 1907 in Gyuam-ri, Buyeo, is housed in the Buyeo National Museum. This 21.1 cm tall sculpture, featuring a transformed Buddha on its crown, is distinct from another similar statue in Japan, differing in casting technique and natural depiction. Created likely in the Baekje Kingdom post-7th century CE, its production employed the lost-wax method, using copper, tin, and lead alloys. Gilded with mercury amalgamation, this reflects the Baekje's advanced crafting and aesthetic sensibilities.