Haeinsa Temple Hongjeam Hermitage Samhwa Statue Portrait, Hapcheon

These are the portraits of Master Seosan Cheongheodang and two other Seon masters, enshrined in the Pyochungsa shrine hall of Hongjeam Hermitage. All three were monk-generals who raised righteous armies during the Japanese invasions of 1592–98 and rendered great service in saving the nation. Hongjeam Hermitage stands about 200 metres west of the Ilju Gate of Haeinsa Temple, and is especially renowned as the place where Master Samyeong passed away. At this site where Master Samyeong entered nirvana, the portrait of his teacher, Master Seosan, is placed at the centre, with the portrait of Great Seon Master Giheodang to its left and the portrait of Master Samyeong to its right; all three are shown seated in chairs. The portraits of Master Seosan and Master Samyeong show them wearing a green robe (jangsam) and a red kasaya (monk's sash), and their composed posture, dignified bearing and stern expression convey their standing as monk-generals. The portrait of Giheodang, against a deep brown background with a red chair-back, shows him wearing only a green robe, in an unusual pose leaning forward with his right leg raised. The portraits of the three monks, who achieved great feats during the Japanese invasions of 1592–98, largely dispense with the formulaic, decorative treatment typical of the late eighteenth century, instead rendering the individual character of each figure vividly, their superb use of colour lending the composition great dignity.

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Where it is

Region

Hapcheon, Gyeongnam

Designation

Provincial Tangible Heritage · 시도유형문화유산