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Mural Paintings in Geungnakjeon Hall of Muwisa Temple

무위사 극락전 내벽사면벽화 ( 無爲寺 極樂殿 內壁四面壁畵 )

Heritage Search Detail
Classification Treasure
Name of Cultural Properties Mural Paintings in Geungnakjeon Hall of Muwisa Temple
Quantity 29
Designated Date 2001.08.03
Age Joseon (15th-19th Century)
Address 1194, Wolha-ri, Seongjeon-myeon, Gangjin-gun, Jeollanam-do

There were a total of 29 mural paintings made on the inside wall of the Geungnakjeon Hall. Today, they are all dismantled and kept in a separate storage place. The paintings include a triad, the Descent of Amitabha, Five Buddhas, five paintings of bodhisattvas including Avalokitesvara, six paintings of musical performance and flying Apsaras, seven pieces of incense burner inscribed with lotus vines, five pieces of scrolling vine patterns, a scrolling lotus pattern piece, and a piece of the standing Buddha. The painting of a triad, which was made at the center of the eastern wall of the Geungnakjeon Hall, features the main Buddha appearing to give a sermon flanked by standing bodhisattvas and six monks. A rocky mountain is in the background. The face of the main Buddha is almost square-shaped, with the wrinkles of his robe portrayed very naturally. The painting of the Descent of Amitabha portrays Amitabha Buddha along with eight bodhisattvas and eight monks, welcoming people sent to Paradise. Overall, the composition looks very natural. Particularly noteworthy are the humorous facial expressions and lifelike figures contained in the painting. The triad, the Descent of Amitabha, the painting of Avalokitesvara, and the two scrolling lotus pattern pieces are particularly important materials for those studying the Buddhist paintings made in the early Joseon Period (1392-1910), showing traces of those made in the Goryeo Period (918-1392)