Painting of Amitabha Buddha Triad

Basic information

Designation

National Treasure No.218

Category

Painting

Era

고려시대(14세기)

Designated year

1984

Location

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

Coordinates

37.538427, 126.965444

Amita samjondo usually means Painting of Amitabha Buddha Triad that contains the standing image of Amita Buddha (infinite light) with attendants, Bodhisattvas Merciful Goddess and Seji standing below on both sides. However, this picture (51cm x 110cm) takes a different form from those usual ones. The Bodhisattva Seji was replaced by Jijang, a peaceful roadside god of little children. The coming down of Amitabha in this picture can be interpreted in two different ways; one is to welcome the spirit of his believer to the Nirvana, and the other is to approve the reborn soul to be a Buddha in the future. The Amitabha is sending his beam of light down to the reborn soul, with Jijang Bodhisattva standing with a single bead in his right hand, while Bodhisattva Gwaneum is making a bow presenting lotus-pod-seat to the Amitabha. The matter of replacing the assistant Bodhisattva, the different postures they take, and their colorful appearance sparkling with gold make this picture quite a rare one of its kinds representing the late Goryeo Period.

Location