Cheongryongsa Gamrotaeng

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1302

Category

Painting

Era

조선 숙종 18년(1692년)

Designated year

2000

Location

안성시, 경기도— 경기 안성시 서운면 청룡길 140, 청룡사 (청용리)

Coordinates

36.943060, 127.259304

A Buddhist painting of Buddha giving a sermon was usually produced to make a prayer for the rebirth in the Buddhist Paradise of dead ancestors. This painting kept in Cheongnyongsa Temple, measuring 200㎝ by 237.5㎝, is composed of three tiers: foreground, middle ground and background. The background in the top tier depicts the ideal world inhabited by the Amitabha Buddha Triad and seven Bodhisattvas, and the Bodhisattva King Yinlu, a Bodhisattva who leads the souls of the dead to Paradise. The bodies of Buddha and Bodhisattvas are painted in gold; something seldom seen in other Buddhist paintings. The middle ground displays people praying for the rebirth of their dead loved ones in Paradise in front of an altar in an outdoor setting with mountains and hills. The foreground shows various scenes in the world of living, depicted in a lively manner; providing an excellent portrayal of everyday life in Joseon of this period. Dating from 1692 (the 18th year of King Sukjong’s reign), this painting has a balanced composition which clearly underscores its main theme and vivid colors. It is an important primary source for studies in late Joseon Buddhist paintings and is of high religious significance for the insights it offers into the Buddhist idea of saving sentient beings from the torments of hell and the emphasis placed on filial piety.

Location