Bukjangsa Yeongsanhoe Hanging Buddhist Painting (Gwaebultaeng)

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1278

Category

Painting

Era

조선숙종14년(1688)

Designated year

1998

Location

상주시, 경상북도— 경북 상주시 내서면 북장리 38번지 북장사

Coordinates

36.437873, 128.080810

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. Made by monk painters including Monk Hakneung in 1688 (the 14th year of King Sukjong’s reign), this hanging painting measures 13.3m (L) by 8.11m (W). Legend tells the story of a monk from Tang of China coming to a temple and saying that he would paint a picture. According to him, no one should come near his place of work for three days. A monk at the temple peeked into the place out of curiosity. A blue bird was painting, with a brush in its beak. Upon finding out that someone was peeking, the blue bird disappeared. The shoulders of Shakyamuni Buddha remained unpainted. The image of Shakyamuni Buddha is at the center, surrounded by bodhisattvas. Shakyamuni Buddha looks rather stern. His round face, harmonized facial features, round shoulders, and well-proportioned body create a soft, comfortable atmosphere. Red and green colors are used a lot, with secondary colors and gold-colored patterns creating a pleasant atmosphere. This hanging painting features clear-cut portrayal of the body made with exquisite and meticulous brush strokes. Floral patterns made with bright, clear colors draw particular attention.

Location