Transcription of Avatamsaka Sutra (The Flower Garland Sutra), Zhenyuan Version, in Silver on Indigo Paper, Volume 31

Basic information

Designation

National Treasure No.215

Category

Books & Records

Era

고려 충숙왕 6년(1337)

Designated year

1984

Location

용산구, 서울특별시— 서울 용산구 이태원로55길 60-16, 삼성미술관 리움 (한남동)

Coordinates

37.536528, 126.996187

Avatamsaka Sutra (the Flower Adornment Sutra) in Silver on Indigo Paper is also called by its shortened name the Avatamsaka Sutra. The main idea in this Buddhist scripture is that the Buddha and all other living things are not two different entities, but one. Along with the Lotus Sutra, this principal scripture of the Avatamsaka Sutra is one of the books that had the greatest influence in the establishment of Korean Buddhist philosophy. This book is carefully hand-copied from Book 31 among 40 books of the Avatamsaka Sutra Original Edition translated by Banya of the Tang Dynasty of China. With the help from a Buddhist monk named Gyoyeon, a man named Choe An-do and his wife made this book in 1337 (the 6th year of King Chungsuk of Goryeo) to pray for greater blessings for themselves and their parents, protection from evils and an easy passage into eternity after their death. The paintings and writings were made on the dark blue papers using gold and silver powder. The book is made in the form of a scroll 881.7cm long 31cm wide. The cover is decorated by magnificent flowers painted in gold color. The title of the scripture as well as the letter 'jeong'(貞) implying that this is one of the correct, original version, which is also written in gold. At the beginning of the book is a story written in silver that explains how this book had come into the existence. Following it is a sophisticated gold painting of the summary of the book. The main text following the painting is written in silver. Although this book is made for personal purposes, it is an excellent piece of work produced in the formal manner and displaying a superb technique.

Location