Yulgoksa Hanging Buddhist Painting (Gwaebultaeng)

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1316

Category

Painting

Era

조선 숙종10년(1684)

Designated year

2001

Location

산청군, 경상남도— 경남 산청군 신등면 율곡사길 182 (율현리)

Coordinates

35.416386, 127.966895

This is a painting (measuring 475 x 827cm) of a figure looking like a bodhisattva. The figure wears a very gorgeous-looking crown displaying five miniature Buddha images in the front center. The round-faced figure has neat facial features, including raised eyebrows, long nose, small mouth, and moderate-sized ears. The three lines on the neck are clear. His robe contains flamboyant floral patterns on the hems of inner clothing and cuffs. The bottom hem of the outer clothing is finished with gold-colored threads. The two hands hold a lotus twig with white and red flowers, with hair flowing down past the ears to the shoulders. An adornment containing a lotus flower is placed on the wide chest. He wears mum-shaped earrings, with the feet placed on the lotus-decorated platform portrayed very exquisitely. The background displays ten peony blossoms symmetrically on both sides of the bodhisattva. The green leaves and the red, white, pink, gray, and light orange flowers add to the pleasant atmosphere. What is written at the bottom provides information on who painted this piece, when it was first made (1684 or the 10th year of King Sukjong’s reign), and when it was repaired (1729 or the 5th year of King Yeongjo’s reign). A statement inscribed between the feet to pray for the health of the Royal Couples and the Crown Prince is a rare example that can hardly be found in other hanging paintings. Well-preserved, the piece features neat and refined brush strokes, elegant and proportionate body, gorgeous, stable, and harmonious colors, and diverse and exquisite patterns. Thus, it is a precious material for those studying the Buddhist paintings of the 17th Century.

Location