<P> The Gaya confederacy was a group of city - states that did not consolidate into a centralized kingdom . It shared many similarities in its art, such as crowns with tree - like protrusions which are seen in Baekje and Silla . Many of the artifacts unearthed in Gaya tumuli are artifacts related to horses, such as stirrups, saddles, and horse armor . Ironware was best plentiful in this period than any age . </P> <P> North South States Period (698--926 CE) refers to the period in Korean history when Silla and Balhae coexisted in the southern and northern part of Korea, respectively . </P> <P> Unified Silla was a time of great artistic output in Korea, especially in Buddhist art . Examples include the Seokguram grotto and the Bulguksa temple . Two pagodas on the ground, the Seokgatap and Dabotap are also unique examples of Silla masonry and artistry . Craftsmen also created massive temple bells, reliquaries, and statutes . The capital city of Unified Silla was nicknamed the "city of gold" because of use of gold in many objects of art . </P> <P> The composite nature of the northern Korean Kingdom of Balhae art can be found in the two tombs of Balhae Princesses . Shown are some aristocrats, warriors, and musicians and maids of the Balhae people, who are depicted in the mural painting in the Tomb of Princess Jeonghyo, a daughter of King Mun (737 - 793), the third monarch of the kingdom . The murals displayed the image of the Balhae people in its completeness . </P>

Art and craft flourished during this period in korean history