Unlike common perception, Buddhist art is not
as same as different from Indian art. Even Buddhism originated from near India,
it was more blossomed and popular in Southeast Asia and East Asia, such as Thailand,
China or Korea.
Buddha was born about 567 B.C, in Sakya,
currently near the border of Nepal. He was a prince, but at some point, he awaked
under a pippala tree. And started to spread his messages.
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| Buddha's footprint |
At first, there weren’t iconic things that can
represent Buddhism. Instead, they worshiped only Buddha’s footprints or Buddha’s
cremated remains. This period is called pre-iconic period.
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The great Stupa in Sanchi
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However, few decades after Buddha’s entrance
into Nirvana(death), people made monumental pagodas to put Buddha’s cremated
remains. One of the first pagoda is ‘The great Stupa in Sanchi’. Still, it is
easy to find those gigantic pagodas in Southeast Asia or the ruins of ancient
China.
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| Gandhara Buddha. 1st-2nd century, Tokyo National Museum |
In the north of India, by the interaction of Greek
culture, Greek artistic trends were introduced and it combined with traditional
arts. It led Buddha's statue as like as western appearance and Greek style hem at the period . This tendency of art, Gandhara Art, has also influenced
the art of north of China. In that period, an independent statue of Buddha was
appeared.
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| Mathura Buddha |
Simultaneously, in a middle India, the Buddhism art, influenced by local Indian culture was blossomed. The Mathura art that appeared in the end of 1st century and 2nd century shows the pride of dignified and majestic Indian culture.
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| Seokguram Grotto, South Korea |
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| Buddha in Seokguram Grotto, South Korea |
In China, Buddhism spreads through the Silk
Road and several caves for Buddhist statues have been created. Buddhist culture
also flourished in China as it supported Buddhism in the Tang Dynasty. As a
result, Buddhism influenced Korea and Japan, and they created a unique Buddhist
culture by themselves. Seokguram Grotto, a World Heritage Site in South Korea, established
in 751 A.D. shows the monumental statue of Buddha and the beauty of simplicity and
delicacy.
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| Angkor Wat, Cambodia |
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| Statue in Angkor Wat |
Buddhism in Southeast Asia evolves into a Theravada
Buddhism that emphasizes the liberation of each individual. It also features
their unique statues and huge temples that have been influenced by Hinduism.
Angkor Wat, one of the most famous temple, was originally a Hindu temple and
was rebuilt as a Buddhist temple.
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