Seonamsa 33josado, Suncheon

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1554

Category

Painting

Era

1753년

Designated year

2008

Location

순천시, 전라남도— 전남 순천시 승주읍 선암사길 450, 선암사성보박물관 (죽학리)

Coordinates

34.996631, 127.330936

This is the only painting of the thirty three patriarchs of Zen Buddhism existing in Korea. It was jointly created in 1753 by five monk painters, including Eungi, based on Zutang ji (Collection from the Patriarchs’ Hall). The painting, originally executed on 11 pieces of silk, features revered patriarchs ranging from Maha Kasyapa, one of the principal disciples of the historic Buddha, to Huineng (638-713), the sixth and last patriarch of Zen Buddhism. The painters followed the style of the monk painter Uigyeom, who actively introduced the ink and brush technique in Buddhist painting in the mid-18th century. The figures were modeled after images of the ancient monks in the two Chinese painting manuals of the Ming Dynasty, Sancai tuhui (Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms) and Hongshi xianfo qizong (Mr. Hong’s Edition of Strange Traces of Immortals and Buddhists). Of the original eleven pieces, only seven remain today. Its rarity aside, the painting displays outstanding artistry in composition and brushwork. It is also important as a reference for the relationship between Chinese painting manuals and Korean Buddhist iconography in late Joseon.

Location