Buddhist Sculpture Studies of Hwang Su-young and Chin Hong-sup

Abstract

When we look back on the accomplishments of Hwang Su-young and Chin Hong-sup on the 100th anniversary of their births, their achievements show where Korean art history began and how it arrived to the present. This study examines their works on Buddhist sculptures. Hwang and Chin’s early researches were mainly centred on excavation and analysis of primary sources, but their academic achievements thereafter are mesmerizing. They planned large-scale collaborative research projects, for example on the Silla Five Sacred Mountains and the Three Mountains of Gyeongju, to obtain more specific and specialized information on Buddhist sculptures, and continued further research. They also paid attention to inscriptions and written documents, collecting them for studies of sculptures. Their preliminary research were published into introductory surveys and catalogues that provided foundations for Buddhist sculpture studies. However, they recognized their limitations by stating that, “though we have written a history of sculptures, its main focus is on works from Three Kingdoms Dynasty and Unified Silla, and offers only brief introductions to major works. Research on Korea sculptures must begin from these preliminary writings and make progress over a long period of time.” Their works did not include dating by comparison with Chinese Buddhist sculptures or iconographical analysis, and though some interests were expressed about the sculptures of Goryeo and Joseon, they were not developed into full-depth research. This, of course, originates from the academic limitations of the time. They also took responsibilities in administrations for cultural heritage that includes Buddhist sculptures. In the 1960s, as the Korean society became more stable, Hwang and Chin took active parts in various works that were related to cultural heritages. Designated surveys for preservation, consultations for repair work, administrative works for museums, and improving public awareness of cultural heritage are some examples of their extensive endeavours. It is apparent that they felt a sense of duty towards their roles and worked with dedication. Moreover, these administrative works likely supported their academic competence as well. Two scholars’ area of expertise encompassed not only individual research but also publication, administrative works that contributed to the fast improvement of social understanding of cultural heritage-related studies. They were devoted scholars who carried out their duties that the era had put before them, the best they can, in their capacity and position. Their extensive field research is an example that today’s scholars must learn from above all else. Buddhist sculpture studies have made great progress and became specialized into specific fields, but tends to depend too heavily on historiography. Individual field research is vital but there are also opportunities such as designated surveys, catalogue compilation of National Treasure and Treasures, and research projects. As the age of major excavation or discovery are past, and as few Buddhist sculptures are designated for research, there are only few opportunities for first-hand experience for researchers. Today, national-scale compilation works are only made by some national institutions such as museums, the National Institute of Cultural Heritage, and Buddhism-related research institutions. These projects are important processes through which young scholars can enhance their learning, meaning that more prolific research or compilation projects are needed.