Tongdosa Hanging Buddhist Painting (Gwaebultaeng)

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1351

Category

Painting

Era

조선 정조 16년(1792)

Designated year

2002

Location

양산시, 경상남도— 경남 양산시 하북면 통도사로 108, 통도사 성보박물관 (지산리)

Coordinates

35.487956, 129.064387

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. In this painting, a standing bodhisattva holds a lotus flower twig and wears a crown. The piece displays a head disc and a body mandorla. Light yellow and green clouds are depicted at the bottom of the canvas. The crown contains seven miniature Buddha images (with their hands clasped together in front, their body slightly turned right) at the center. The remarks contained in the pieces say that it was made by 22 monk painters, including Jiyeon, in 1792 (the 16th year of King Jeongjo’s reign). This one was made later than the others of its kind, and its strong colors make it look rather rigid. It has been preserved well. Overall, the adornments and skillful brush strokes are noteworthy. It is characterized by the round face, plump body, and hands displaying a gesture of vitarka mudra. Such characteristics are important for those studying changes in Buddha images and Buddhism painting styles by comparing this one with the hanging painting of Rocana Buddha (National Treasure No. 299/made in 1644) in Sinwonsa Temple and Hanging Painting of Gaesimsa Temple (“The Vulture Peak Assembly” Treasure No. 1264, made in 1772).

Location