Containing over 100 photos of Korean art pieces along with thoughtful essays, Goryeo Dynasty: Korea's Age of Enlightenment 918-1392 captures this fundamental period of Korean history. Few people are aware that the name Korea is derived from Goryeo of the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392). Under the patronage of the royal court, the aristocracy and the Buddhist elite—whose taste are for luxury and refinement was unprecedented in the history of Korea—spectacular achievements were made in all areas of the arts during this period. This catalogue documents not only the famous Goryeo achievements in ceramics but also lesser known Buddhist paintings, illuminated sutras, sculpture, lacquer, and metal crafts. Drawing from thirty-five contributing institutions, it brings together some of the most exquisite works of Korean art from the tenth to the fourteenth century, including many that have never before traveled to the West. A valuable resource to anyone interested in the classic arts of East Asia.

Goryeo Dynasty

In this volume, we catch glimpses of Buddhism in the Koryo period at its height. It was a time when the religion made significant contributions to the development of Korean culture. Korea was recognized as one of the great centers of Buddhist life in East Asia. Koryo Buddhism was in many ways a royal religion.

Buddhism in Koryŏ

Korea and the Fall of the Mongol Empire explores the experiences of the enigmatic and controversial King Gongmin of Goryeo, Wang Gi, as he navigated the upheavals of the mid-fourteenth century, including the collapse of the Mongol Empire and the rise of its successors in West, Central, and East Asia. Drawing on a wealth of Korean and Chinese sources and integrating East Asian and Western scholarship on the topic, David Robinson considers the single greatest geopolitical transformation of the fourteenth century through the experiences of this one East Asian ruler. He focuses on the motives of Wang Gi, rather than the major contemporary powers, to understand the rise and fall of empire, offering a fresh perspective on this period of history. The result is a more nuanced and accessible appreciation of Korean, Mongolian, and Chinese history, which sharpens our understanding of alliances across Eurasia.

Korea and the Fall of the Mongol Empire

Letters from Korean History: From the Later Three Kingdoms to Goryeo

From the Later Three Kingdoms to Goryeo

Goryeo, a medieval Korean dynasty that lasted from 918 to 1392, holds a significant place in East Asian history. Renowned for its cultural achievements, Goryeo saw the flourishing of Buddhism and the creation of the Tripitaka Koreana, a remarkable collection of Buddhist scriptures carved onto wooden blocks, which remains a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The dynasty's diplomatic relations with neighboring states, such as China and the Mongol Empire, played a crucial role in shaping its political landscape. Goryeo's legacy continues to influence modern Korean culture and history, with its name even serving as the etymological root for the modern name "Korea." Understanding the Goryeo dynasty is essential for appreciating Korea's rich heritage and historical evolution.