Buddhism first arrived on the Korean Peninsula in the fourth century, about 200 years before it came to Japan. From that time, it greatly influenced the cultures and beliefs of those living there, fostering the development of unique aesthetics, especially during the Goryeo (918–1392) and Joseon (1392–1910) dynasties. With their respect for scholarship, the kings of the Goryeo court were devout followers of Buddhism. However, this religion lost political sway during the Joseon dynasty, which was built on the teachings of Confucianism. In spite of such differing policies on religion, Buddhist art flourished among its believers in salvation, with many sculptures and paintings created throughout both periods.

By focusing on one part of the millennium-long history of Goryeo and Joseon Korea, we are proud to showcase a selection of Buddhist works of art spanning the eleventh to sixteenth centuries. They depict majestic Buddhist figures, full of life, imbued with the fervent prayers of believers that can be felt even to this day. Such works offer us insight into the development of Buddhist art throughout East Asia. While admiring the beauty in these Korean works, distinct from Japanese and Chinese Buddhist art, we hope that you will also grasp the historical contexts behind them and the lives of those who were involved in their creation.

Exhibition Highlights

A Goryeo Buddhist masterpiece, over 4 meters tall

Important Cultural Property. Willow Avalokiteshvara, Korea, Goryeo (918–1392). Kagami Shrine, Saga, Japan.

A hooded Bodhisattva saving believers from Hell

Important Cultural Property. Kshitigarbha Bodhisattva, Korea, Goryeo (918–1392). Engaku-ji Temple, Kanagawa, Japan.

The majestic beauty of a Goryeo Buddha

Fukuoka City–Designated Cultural Property. Kshitigarbha Bodhisattva, Korea, Goryeo (918–1392). Anshō-in Temple, Fukuoka, Japan.

Countless Buddhas in the air

Fifteen Thousand Buddhas, Korea, Goryeo (918–1392). Fudō-in Temple, Hiroshima, Japan.

One miracle after another! The Birth of Shakyamuni Buddha

The Birth of Shakyamuni, Korea, Joseon dynasty (1392–1910), 1st half of 15th century. Hongaku-ji Temple, Fukuoka, Japan.

The Golden Lotus Sutra dedicated to Dazaifu Tenmangū Shrine

Saga Prefecture–Designated Cultural Property. Lotus Sutra, vol. 1, Korea, Joseon dynasty (1392–1910). Nabeshima Houkoukai Foundation, Saga, Japan.

Celadon Jōhei ewer incised with willows, reeds, and waterfowl, Korea, Joseon dynasty (1392–1910). The Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka, Japan.