Hanging Painting of Cheonggoksa Temple (The Vulture Peak Assembly)

Basic information

Designation

National Treasure No.302

Category

Painting

Era

조선 경종 2년(1722)

Designated year

1997

Location

진주시, 경상남도— 경남 진주시 금산면 월아산로1440번길 138, 청곡사문화박물관 (갈전리)

Coordinates

35.190322, 128.181023

Gwaebul is a large Buddhist painting that is hung at the front garden of the sanctuary during sermons or ceremonies. This particular gwaebul is Yeongsan hoesangdo, which depicts the scene of Sakyamuni preaching. It was painted in 1722 by monk painters and Uigyeom was one of them. It is 10.22m long and 6.35m wide. Sakyamuni, the head Buddha, has a rather short upper body but is still stately and majestic. He is standing in the center. He has a round face and a corpulent body. This means that this image of Sakyamuni was drawn according to the tradition of the Yeongsan hoesangdo in Palsangjeon Hall, Ssanggyesa Temple. His Buddhist apparel draped over his shoulders is dignified and they drastically reveal his chest. This apparel is painted in red and green. The lapels vary in degrees and the flower print at the front is bright and vivid. The two Bodhisattvas next to Sakyamuni seem to be Munsubosal and Bohyeonbosal. They are holding lotus flowers. They are a bit smaller than Sakyamuni and are wearing splendid crowns. They have round faces and are facing the front. They are located behind Sakyamuni to create a sense of distance. Various colors, such as azure, blue, light pink, are used and the complicated flower print and the ornaments show of the Bodhisattvas. On the head of the Bodhisattvas the figures of Sakyamuni's disciples, Anan and Gaseop, and other images of Buddhas are painted. This picture seems to belong to the early 18th century, considering the arrangement of the Buddhas, their figurations, colors and prints. It can be compared to the gwaebul at Yongmunsa Temple in Yecheon, for they both treat the same subject. The written record alongside the picture tells that Uigyeom participated in it. It is the best among Uigyeom's works and is an invaluable piece of art in the studies of Buddhist paintings.

Location