A Study on the Aesthetic Consciousness Represented in the Motif of the Flying Deities (Feitian) in Goguryeo Tomb Murals

Goguryeo tomb murals reveal three distinct aesthetic principles embodied by flying deities (feitian): dynamic movement, elegance of human forms, and transcendent spirit. Analysis of 36 representations identified these themes through categorization based on halos, garments, and body postures. The study highlights the transformation of celestial robes into plant-like tendrils in Gangseo Tomb murals, reflecting a vibrant aesthetic consciousness that evolved from Goguryeo to Unified Silla and influenced later art, such as the Great King Seongdeok Bell. Additionally, the precise portrayal of semi-nude feitian figures suggests cultural exchanges with Indo-Western regions and Buddhist perspectives on the human body, while their free-flowing movements distinguish Goguryeo's unique artistic style.

Lee, H. (2024). A Study on the Aesthetic Consciousness Represented in the Motif of the Flying Deities (Feitian) in Goguryeo Tomb Murals. The Paek-San Society, 130, 5–32. https://doi.org/10.52557/tpsh.2024.130.5