Jeondeungsa Mokjojijangbosalsamjonsang Mit Siwangsang (Collection), Ganghwa

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1786

Category

Sculpture

Era

1636년(인조 14)

Designated year

2012

Location

강화군, 인천광역시— 인천광역시 강화군 전등사로 37-41 (길상면, 전등사)

Coordinates

37.632157, 126.484408Kakao address conversion

These wooden statues of Buddhist deities, saints, and their dependents, all of which are enshrined in Jeondeungsa Temple in Ganghwa, were made in 1636 by a sculptor and Buddhist monk named Suyeon who also carved the Wooden Seated Buddha Triad enshrined in the temple’s Daeungjeon Hall thirteen years earlier. He formed a team of twelve monk to assist him with the carving of the Ksitigarbha, which is flanked by two acolytes, Ten Underworld Kings, Devil Kings, Judges, Lions, Children, Vajradhara, and other beings enshrined in Myeongbujeon Hall. Records say that the project of enshrining the statues required the participation of a large number of worshippers and alms givers, suggesting that it was a major festive event held in the area around Jeondeungsa Temple. The statue of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is characterized by a highly refined sense of proportion and balance. His attendant, Domyeong, also displays similar characteristics, including a realistic depiction of the face and the upper robe worn neatly over the monastic robe. Other statues, including the Ten Underworld Kings, also clearly show the characteristic features of a wooden sculpture carved by Suyeon. These Buddhist statues are regarded as valuable Korean Buddhist heritages not only because of their artistic excellence but also because there are clear records of when and by whom they were made and because they are still kept in their original location, Myeongbujeon Hall of Jeondeungsa Temple, performing their original function.

Location