Buddhist Painting in Geungnakjeon Hall of Muwisa Temple (Avalokitesvara in White Robe)

This is the painting on the reverse of the Amitabha Mural (Treasure), the altar painting behind the Buddha image in Geungnakbojeon Hall. It shows the White-robed Avalokitesvara standing on a lotus leaf above drifting, undulating waves. Dressed in white robes, the bodhisattva has a dignified build, the white robe billowing as the figure turns slightly to the right, hands crossed in front, holding a willow branch in the right hand and a jeongbyeong (a ritual water vase) in the left. Although the folds of the robe are simplified, as are the bracelet and chest ornament, the vigorous, swift brushwork gives a strong impression through the robe fluttering as if in a fierce wind and the surging waves. Behind the bodhisattva is a red, sun-shaped circle, and above in front, a five-character regulated verse is written in ink. In the lower front corner is a small mound, before which a monk kneels, hands spread as if clapping, facing the bodhisattva. Of particular interest is a bird perched on the monk's shoulder, its head turned back to look at the bodhisattva, rendered in comparatively fine detail compared with the White-robed Avalokitesvara. This painting, presumed to have been made around the seventh year of King Seongjong of Joseon (1476), is, together with the Amitabha Mural on the front, an important resource for the study of early Joseon Buddhist painting in the Goryeo style.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Gangjin, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

Treasure · 보물