Yongheungsa Sambulhoe Hanging Buddhist Painting (Gwaebultaeng)

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1374

Category

Painting

Era

조선 숙종 10년(1684)

Designated year

2003

Location

상주시, 경상북도— 경상북도 상주시 지천1길 223-35 (지천동, 용흥사)

Coordinates

36.336659, 128.162453

In this hanging painting (length: more than 10m), the image of Shakyamuni Buddha is at the center flanked by the image of the Medicine Buddha and that of Amitabha Buddha. The style of this painting was in vogue in the 17th Century and thereafter, is made in three tiers: the middle tier displays the triad, the bottom tier shows the attendant bodhisattvas and two of the Four Guardian Kings, and the top tier displays two of the Four Guardian Kings, bodhisattvas, ten leading disciples, Sea King and his daughter, metamorphosed Buddhas, etc. Overall, the canvas composition, layout of figures, cloud shapes, colors, canopies, and even the shaft of light extending from Shakyamuni Buddha boast of almost thorough symmetry, although there are differences in attires, signs of hands, stances assumed, colors, etc. The use of bright colors and the portrayal of figures with sophisticated brush strokes add to the vivacity of the piece. Made in 1684, this painting has been preserved well. It is distinguished from other hanging paintings made in the 17th Century in terms of the use of gorgeous-looking colors, refined brush strokes, and unique canvas composition. The sharply shaped usnisa (a protuberance symbolizing supreme wisdom) and the right hand stretched down long with the little finger extending outward in the image of Shakyamuni Buddha are features that are also found in the hanging painting of Shakyamuni Buddha in Jungnimsa, Naju (made in 1622), hanging painting of Shakyamuni Buddha preaching at Vulture Peak in Bosalsa, Cheongju (1649), and hanging painting of Shakyamuni Buddha preaching at Vulture Peak in Ansimsa, Cheongwon-gun (1652).

Location