Teaching East Asia: Korea Teaching East Asia: Korea | Page 176

advanced techniques of the day were used in its construction. In 2002, researchers tried to
replicate the reliquary’s wind chime with modern heating equipment, but could not achieve what
7 th century artisans could accomplish.
The Sokkurum Grotto may be considered Korea’s
most beautiful, spiritual, and extraordinary work of art. It embodies “the perfect and ideal
harmony of science, art and religion in a single entity.” The grotto is the most elaborate man-
made grotto in the world and was constructed in the 8 th century with an extraordinary level of
geometrical accuracy. The most memorable feature of the Sokkurum Grotto is the Buddha statue
that represents the moment when Shakyamuni attains Buddhahood. One does not have to be
Buddhist to recognize the spirituality of the Buddha statue.
Goryeo celadon is one of the most renowned Korean art
innovations and particularly famous for its elegant bluish-green glaze and inlay technique.
Celadon craftsmanship reached its zenith in the 12 th and 13 th century. Even with significant
advances in technology since the time of the Goryeo dynasty, potters have been unable to create
the same level of beauty as Goryeo potters were able to achieve. Celadon had many different
uses, such as tea cups, wine bottles, flower vases, and vessels for Buddhist rituals.
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