Magoksa Seokgamonibul Hanging Buddhist Painting (Gwaebultaeng)

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1260

Category

Painting

Era

조선 숙종 13년(1687년)

Designated year

1997

Location

공주시, 충청남도— 충남 공주시 사곡면 마곡사로 966, 마곡사 (운암리)

Coordinates

36.559046, 127.012313

This type of large-sized painting used to be hung in the front courtyard of a temple hall at an open-air sermon session or ritual. The entire canvas is filled with images of the leading six bodhisattvas, ten leading disciples, Brahma, Indra, Four Guardian Kings, Asura, Dragon King, etc., surrounding Shakyamuni Buddha at the center. Shakyamuni Buddha holds a bo tree twig with both hands portrayed disproportionately larger than the other parts of the body. The mandorla is divided into the round head portion and the boat-shaped body portion. The head portion contains the miniature images of Buddha. Shakyamuni Buddha is flanked by the six bodhisattvas, including Avalokitesvara, Mahasthamaprapta, Manjusri, and Samantadhadra. The letters contained in the piece tell us that monks and lay people took part in its production, and that it was made to be used at an event commemorating the birthday of Shakyamuni Buddha, the Suryukjae (Water-Land Ritual), and the rite held on the 49th day of the death of a person. The piece features a solemn atmosphere as well as gorgeous colors portrayed in a large canvas, which are characteristic of the 17th Century. The image of Lord Buddha at the center appears to overwhelm the others. This painting is regarded as valuable by those studying Buddhist paintings.

Location