Yeongguksa Yeongsanhoe Altar Buddhist Painting

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1397

Category

Painting

Era

조선 숙종 35년(1709)

Designated year

2004

Location

종로구, 서울특별시— 서울 종로구 우정국로 55, 불교중앙박물관 (견지동,광교빌딩)

Coordinates

37.572950, 126.979358

In this painting, the image of Shakyamuni Buddha is at the center flanked by Manjusri Bodhisattva and Samantadhadra Bodhisattva as well as other bodhisattvas and a multitude of people. This one was made earlier than the other Buddhist paintings of the Joseon Period (1392-1910). This is a piece typical of the paintings portraying a multitude of people prevalent in the 17th Century and thereafter. In this one, the Lord Buddha is surrounded by a multitude of attendants. At the top are clouds in soft shades of yellow, green, and red. The remaining margins are colored deep, thereby providing a sense of space. The figures at the top are made smaller than those at the bottom. All figures are turned toward the Lord Buddha. This way, the piece displays a sense of perspective while stressing its nature as a worship painting. This piece chiefly uses red and green colors along with light red, showing the characteristics of the paintings of the early Joseon Period. The portrayal of the figures shows slight rigidity yet refined and exquisite brush strokes. The statement written in Indian ink at the lower center say that it was made by three monk painters -- Inmun, Mingi, and Sejeong -- in 1709 (the 48th year of the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty of China or the 35th year of the reign of King Sukjong of Joseon). It is a precious material showing the trend of Buddhist paintings between the early 17th Century and the early 18th Century.

Location