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Tangible Cultural Heritage

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva and Ten Underworld Kings of Yaksasa Temple in Seongnam

성남 약사사 지장시왕도 ( 城南 藥師寺 地藏十王圖 )

Heritage Search Detail
Classification Tangible Cultural Heritage
Name of Cultural Properties Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva and Ten Underworld Kings of Yaksasa Temple in Seongnam
Quantity
Designated Date 2018.09.10
Age
Address Gyeonggi-do Seongnam-si

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva and Ten Underworld Kings is a Buddhist painting describing Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva who saves the common people suffering in Hell, and the Ten Underworld Kings who are the judges of the dead. In this painting in Yaksasa Temple in Seongnam, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, Ten Underworld Kings and judges, and Boys of Good and Evil are placed in a natural way with a folding screen with 15 panels as the background. Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva with a green halo is seated in a full lotus position on the blue lotus pedestal with gold-gilt body illumination for his background. Wearing a transparent headscarf, his right hand is raised up to his shoulder with his thumb and middle finger touching, and his left hand holds a long staff over his knee. Generally, this kind of painting places the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva triad and the Ten Underworld Kings in front and the dependents at the back of picture. However, unlike traditional compositions, a judge holding a scepter and another judge holding a bundle of scrolls are kneeling in front of the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva showing their backs, as if reminiscent of the judges in Hyeonwangdo Painting (Hyeongwang is another name for future Buddha). Such composition and multicolored decorative methods are commonly found in Buddhist paintings in Seoul and the Gyeonggi area, so it can be regarded as a work of art with strong regional characteristics of these regions in the late 19th century. According to the notes on the painting, it was made in May 1880 at Hwayangsa Temple, and painted by Hanbong Changyeo, Chwiam Seungui, Deogwol Eungnyun and Bongbeop, who were active around Seoul and the Gyeonggi regions. It appears that this painting was created with the support of people around the royal family and high-ranking officials such as Kim Sang-sun, Choi Yun-bok, and Court Lady Noh are named as benefactors.