Buddhist Painting of Heungguksa Temple (Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva)

Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva (Gwaneum Bosal) appears before sentient beings in many different forms, embodying the compassion that leads them from suffering into a world of ease; a Suwol Gwaneumdo, a painting depicting the Water-Moon Avalokitesvara, shows well the Pure Land in which the bodhisattva dwells. In this Heungguksa Suwol Gwaneumdo, Avalokitesvara, encircled by a round body halo, fills the centre of the composition, while below the right knee the boy Seonjae Dongja stands with his palms pressed together and his waist slightly bowed. At the very bottom, undulating waves are depicted. To either side of the bodhisattva's arms are green bamboo, a vase holding willow branches, and a bird. This painting closely follows the typical form of Avalokitesvara paintings of the Joseon period, and although somewhat formulaic in places, its stable composition and harmonious use of red, green and blue give it a splendid yet warm feeling. It is also an outstanding work, showing a neat, well-proportioned rendering of the face and body and a highly painterly technique in the treatment of the rock surface. Painted by the monk Uigyeom, regarded as the finest Buddhist painter-monk of the 18th century, this work, despite some damage to the lower part of the painting, is valued as a representative piece of the late Joseon period for its well-organised composition, delicate brushwork and harmonious colours.

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Where it is

Region

Yeosu, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

Treasure · 보물