Transcription of Saddharmapundarika Sutra (The Lotus Sutra) in Gold on Indigo Paper, Volume 6

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.269-4

Category

Books & Records

Era

조선 세종 4년(1422년)

Designated year

2007

Location

용산구, 서울특별시— 서울특별시 용산구 서빙고로 137 (용산동6가, 국립중앙박물관)

Coordinates

37.524041, 126.980350

This is part of a Buddhist sutra version made by Monk Deokmyeong in 1422 (4th year of King Sejong’s reign) based on the one translated into Chinese by Kumaraju to pray for the peace of the spirit of his deceased mother. The sutra is composed of seven volumes. The cover is adorned with four sets of Palmette patterns. The overall flower pattern is drawn in gold powder, whereas the stalks are done in silver powder. The sutra painting at the beginning of the book is drawn in gold powder. It is followed by the title of the book, and then the name of the translator, Kumaraju. The characters are written in Zhao Mengfu-style handwriting. Written on the backside of the sutra is the name Gwangdeoksa Temple in black and red. Vol. 3, which is kept at Dong-a University, Vol. 7, which is kept at the National Museum of Korea coupled with Vol. 1 with the same size, format, and handwriting (Treasure No. 269), and Vols. 2, 4, 5, and 6 (Treasure No. 390) comprise a complete 7-volume set. This is a rare case of an original Buddhist sutra whose complete set has been found.

Location