Hanging Painting of Sudeoksa Temple (Rocana Buddha)

A gwaebul is a large Buddhist painting hung in the courtyard in front of the main hall for great ceremonies and rites at a temple; this gwaebul depicts the Rocana Buddha at its centre, surrounded by groups including the Twelve Great Bodhisattvas and the Ten Great Disciples. The title "Wonman Bosin Nosana Bul" (Rocana Buddha, the Perfect and Complete Body of Reward) is inscribed on the head halo, and the two hands are emphasised in size relative to the body, clearly marking the Rocana Buddha as the principal image. The crown, the ornaments on the chest, the patterns of the robes and the knotted cords all display great splendour. This painting shares its composition with the Hanging Painting of Rocana Buddha of Sinwonsa Temple (a National Treasure), but appears somewhat more elaborate, with the Twelve Great Bodhisattvas, the Ten Great Disciples and the Four Heavenly Kings surrounding the Rocana Buddha. The Twelve Great Bodhisattvas are arranged across the middle and lower registers, while the ten disciples, including Ananda and Kasyapa, occupy the upper register with free and varied expressions and postures. Made in 1673, the fourteenth year of King Hyeonjong of Joseon, this gwaebul is a distinctive work depicting the Rocana Buddha alone; it uses mainly red and green, with the surrounding space rendered in five-coloured rays of light, giving it a splendid, fantastical feel.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Yesan, Chungnam

Designation

Treasure · 보물