The Development of Korean Ancient Art Seen Through Petroglyphs and Tomb Murals

Korean ancient art's evolution, from Neolithic stippled petroglyphs to Koguryo tomb murals, reveals a shift from narrative-driven, representational imagery to abstract geometric expressions. Stippling techniques in Ulsan Cheonjeon-ri Gakseok and grinding methods in Bangudae Petroglyphs showcase early artistic advancements, with whales and carnivores demonstrating increasing detail and stylistic sophistication. The transition to abstract motifs, such as hilt patterns, marks a peak before the adoption of Chinese characters disrupted this tradition. Koguryo tomb murals further illustrate this progression, blending realistic depictions of daily life and afterlife scenes with abstract lotus motifs. Late Koguryo and 6th Century Baekje murals, featuring Four Deities, exemplify a fusion of representational and abstract styles, influenced by Buddhist art culture.

Ho-tae, J. (2020). The Development of Korean Ancient Art Seen Through Petroglyphs and Tomb Murals. YŎKSA WA HYŎNSIL : Quarterly Review of Korean History, 118, 381–424. https://doi.org/10.35865/ywh.2020.12.118.381