Hanging Painting of Hwaeomsa Temple (The Vulture Peak Assembly)

A gwaebul of the Vulture Peak Assembly, showing Shakyamuni preaching on Vulture Peak. A gwaebul is a huge Buddhist painting hung in the courtyard before the main hall for worship when a temple holds a great Dharma assembly or ritual. This one at Hwaeomsa is 1,208.0 by 769.4 cm overall, the painted area 1,013.1 by 732.3 cm. Shakyamuni is at the centre, with Manjusri, Samantabhadra and the Four Heavenly Kings. Shakyamuni sits on a lotus seat on a tall platform, fingers pointing to the ground in the gesture of subduing demons. His round face and shoulders give a soft, full feeling, and the very fine, meticulous line adds refinement. Manjusri and Samantabhadra stand either side attending him. Two of the Heavenly Kings are at the bottom and two at the top, as though guarding the four corners. The faces are round, with large eyes, small noses and mouths and long ears, and the figures stand well balanced. Red and green dominate, with mid-tones giving a soft yet bright feel, and coloured and gold patterns add splendour. Made in 1653, the fourth year of King Hyojong, it shows well the features of mid-seventeenth-century Buddhist painting in its slender, balanced figures, bright, clear and varied colour, and meticulous, lavish flower ornament.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Gurye, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

National Treasure · 국보