Cheongnyongsa Temple Painting of the Lone Arhat

The Dokseongdo (Painting of the Lone Arhat) of Cheongnyongsa Temple was painted in 1891 by the geumeo bigu, master monk-painters, Wansong Jongchin together with Changnim and Neungo. It was originally enshrined in the Chilseonggak, the Seven Stars Hall, and after that hall was demolished it was moved, along with the Dokseongsang, the statue of the Lone Arhat, to the Sallyeonggak, the Mountain Spirit Hall, in 1973, where it has been enshrined since. In the centre of the painting, against a landscape background of drifting clouds and a cascading waterfall, the Dokseong is shown as an old bhikkhu with white hair and a full white beard, seated with his left leg drawn up at ease; behind him is painted a low screen decorated with a subdued lattice pattern. This painting depicts the Dokseong, who is said to dwell on Mount Cheontae in South India and to appear in the age of the Dharma's decline for the welfare of sentient beings. The figure is rendered with fine, assured brushwork and outstanding characterisation, and details such as the incense burner and the gilded edge of the Dokseong's red robe show well the characteristics of Buddhist paintings from the Seoul and Gyeonggi region.

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Where it is

Region

Jongno-gu, Seoul

Designation

Cultural Heritage Material · 문화유산자료