Hanging Painting of Cheonggoksa Temple (The Vulture Peak Assembly)

A gwaebul of the Vulture Peak Assembly, showing Shakyamuni preaching. 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. It is 1,022.3 by 635 cm overall, the painted area 943 by 619 cm, with Shakyamuni at the centre and Manjusri and Samantabhadra either side. Shakyamuni, filling the centre, has a round, full face and is rendered with a commanding presence, as though aware of the worshipper's gaze. The robe over both shoulders is weighty, and a large 卍 is drawn at the centre of the chest. The robe is coloured red and green, the collars varied, and the flower ornament all over looks bright and clear. Manjusri and Samantabhadra stand either side holding lotus branches. Slightly smaller than the Buddha, with lavish crowns and round faces, facing forward, they are imposing and splendid, set back behind the Buddha to give depth. Blue, sky blue and pale pink appear in variety, and elaborate flowers and ornaments set the bodhisattvas off further. Above their heads are the disciples Ananda and Kasyapa and several Buddhas. Made in 1722, the second year of King Gyeongjong, with the monk painter Uigyeom among its makers, it is regarded as outstanding among early eighteenth-century Buddhist paintings for its composition filled by Shakyamuni, Manjusri and Samantabhadra, its commanding figures, round full faces, and bright, lavish colour and flower ornament. As a standing triad of Shakyamuni, Manjusri and Samantabhadra it invites comparison with the gwaebul of Yongmunsa in Yecheon, and it is considered one of Uigyeom's finest works, a very valuable source for the study of Buddhist painting.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Jinju, Gyeongnam

Designation

National Treasure · 국보