Korea, because of its location, has acted as a major crossroad for the interaction and sharing of many cultures of East Asia. Archaic bronzes in the form of mirrors and vessels had come to Korea from Eastern Zhou dynasty (756-256 B.C.E.) China. These influenced Korean bronzes and earthenware forms. Manchurian weapons, Chinese pottery and lacquer have all made their mark upon Korea aesthetics. The Koreans in turn have influenced Japanese metal work, textile production, ceramics and lacquer.

Understanding the geography of Korea helps us understand a great deal about its history, politics, religions, economics, and artistic aesthetics. We must view the development of Korean art considering the influences of its neighbors Manchuria, China and Japan.

is a peninsula with mountain ranges on its northern borders as well as in the eastern half of the peninsula. The major communities developed around the river basins. It is a rather foreboding and off-putting environment, although the landscapes are beautiful. The winters are very cold, which influenced certain kinds of architecture, while the summers are the times of monsoons when the major rainfall nourishes the country. The harsh winters lend themselves to the rather austere mood of Korean art. The conservative Buddhist... read more