Gapsa Seokgayeoraesamsebuldo Mit Reliquary Objects, Gongju

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1651

Category

Painting

Designated year

2010

Location

공주시, 충청남도— 충남 공주시 계룡면 갑사로 567-3, 갑사 (중장리)

Coordinates

36.364665, 127.187309Kakao address conversion

The Buddhist Painting of Sakyamuni Buddha Triad of Gapsa Temple in Gongju is a painting by Uigyeom, a monk painter who was active in the early to mid-18th century, in the Jeolla-do area, as well as in some parts of Gyeongsang-do and Chungcheong-do Provinces, considered the greatest of his time. Of the thirty-nine paintings whose existence have been known through sources including documentary sources, twenty-one (thirty items) have survived to the present. Based on the dates of these works, Uigyeom appears to have been an active painter for about forty years between 1713 and 1757. Of the extant paintings of Uigyeom, only three are three-panel paintings of Buddha triad, measuring at least 4m on the longest side: this one housed in Gapsa Temple and two others housed in Unheungsa and Hwaeomsa Temples, respectively. Three-panel paintings on the theme of Buddha triad of such huge size, dating from late Joseon, are generally rare as well. Although the panel representing Bhaisajyaguru Buddha with his retinue is missing, this gigantic painting of Gapsa Temple, measuring close to 450cm on the longest side and displaying scenes of Buddha’s sermon realized in elegant brushwork remains, nevertheless, magnificent and spectacular. The composition is well thought out and harmonious, and the color tone calm and appealing. This majestic portrayal of Buddha’s world should be counted among the greatest masterpieces of 18th century Buddhist painting. This painting, straddled, in terms of its style, between Uigyeom’s earlier style and his later style, holds great significance for the understanding of his evolution as a painter. Meanwhile, a series of votive objects associated with this painting, dating from 1730, are highly valuable as well, for the light they cast on the practice of offering votive objects to Buddha along with a painting.

Location