Manyeonsa Hanging Buddhist Painting (Gwaebultaeng)

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1345

Category

Painting

Era

조선 정조 7년(1783)

Designated year

2002

Location

화순군, 전라남도— 전남 화순군 화순읍 진각로 367 (동구리)

Coordinates

35.059912, 126.984615

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. This triad shows Shakyamuni Buddha at the center flanked by Manjusri Bodhisattva holding a magic bead and Samantadhadra Bodhisattva holding a lotus twig. It measures 821cm (L) by 624cm (W). The main Buddha’s face is large compared to the entire body. The images of the Buddha and the bodhisattvas are of similar sizes. The piece features the patterns of dragons, scrolling vines, ocean waves, and flamboyant bead accessories. The lower part of the robes worn by the bodhisattvas contains images of bamboo shoots, pine trees, and bizarre-looking rocks like those on the surface of blue-and-white porcelain. The remarks at the bottom of the piece say that it was painted by three monk painters -- Bihyeon, Gwaeyun, and Dook -- in 1793 (the 7th year of King Jeongjo’s reign). Made later than many other large-sized hanging paintings, it keeps the tradition of large-sized hanging paintings but displays unique aspects in terms of gorgeous patterns, deep colors, and skillful brush strokes.

Location