백제조각의 미학사상

Abstract

Baekje established sophisticated and refined fine art by actively adopting the developed culture of China and Goguryeo. Baekje, also, played an important role in transmitting the developed art to Silla and Japan. Even though the nation has disappeared in history, through the graceful and delicate cultural remains we can guess Baekje people had such a high aesthetic sense. The earlier studies of Baekje art based on historical and archaeological approaches, however, just focused on the ‘simplicity’ and ‘antique refined beauty’ of artifacts without acknowledging spiritual foundation of Baekje people. Baekje art which reflects Baekje people’s unique religious faith and philosophy is much more than ‘simplicity’ and ‘antique refiend beauty’. Based on the Baekje people’s outlook on the world and life, the aesthetic consiousness of Baekje art can be classified into two types: ‘heroic resolve’ and ‘simplicity’. Baekje art is condensed not only with tenderness and gracefulness but also with fidelity and constancy. Beakje people who had ‘soft power’ inside always maintained their moderate position avoiding going to extremes, and that principle was expressed into artworks. Simple but not weak world view of Baekje people made them accept everything of life, even the adversities. This attitude, eventually, helped them put their tenacious hold on life into art, sometimes adapting to nature and sometimes enduring the times.