Hanging Scroll Behind the Buddha in Daeungjeon Hall of Heungguksa Temple

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.578

Category

Painting

Era

조선시대 후기

Designated year

1974

Location

여수시, 전라남도— 전남 여수시 중흥동 산17번지 흥국사

Coordinates

34.820632, 127.700307

This hanging scroll represents Shakyamuni Buddha in sermon at Vulture Peak, before a group of Bodhisattvas, demigods and disciples. This gigantic painting in ink and color on silk measures 4.27m by 5.07m. Thangka are paintings on a Buddhist subject, usually realized on fabric or paper and mounted into a scroll or frame. Shakyamuni Buddha, seated on a throne at the center, is flanked by six Bodhisattvas, standing on either side. Next to the Bodhisattvas are the Four Guardian Kings. Shakyamuni’s ten disciples and other followers are harmoniously distributed with some placed behind him, and some right next to him. The Buddha’s robe leaves his left shoulder bare, and his round face is plump. The dominant colors are red and green. The green paint used for the nimbus around the Buddha’s head is somewhat too glossy to render the diffuse radiance a nimbus is supposed to be. Meanwhile, the gold paint used for floral motifs and garment folds provides a flattering touch to this hanging scroll, adding to its refined atmosphere. The hanging scroll was painted in 1693 (the 19th year of King Sukjong’s reign) by two monk painters, Cheonsin and Uicheon, to wish the king health and a long life and pray for peace in the country. This work with well-shaped figures and elegant colors is considered amongst the masterpieces of 17th-century Buddhist painting.

Location