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Hanging Painting of Yongmunsa Temple, Namhae

남해 용문사 괘불탱 ( 南海 龍門寺 掛佛幀 )

Heritage Search Detail
Classification Treasure
Name of Cultural Properties Hanging Painting of Yongmunsa Temple, Namhae
Quantity 1
Designated Date 2005.09.06
Age 1769
Address Yongmunsa Temple 166-11, Yongmunsa-gil, Idong-myeon, Namhae-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

This hanging Buddhist painting was made in the style of a samjondo (a painting with a main Buddha flanked by two Buddhist figures), with the main Buddha in the middle flanked by a Bodhisattva on each side. Both Bodhisattvas are depicted in a frontal stance, with the Bodhisattva on the left holding a priest’s staff and the one on the right, a lotus flower. The main Buddha in the middle is standing on a lotus flower pedestal with his feet spread apart, his right hand hanging down and left hand raised in front of his chest. He is wearing a robe that covers only the left shoulder, leaving the right shoulder and chest bare. The main Buddha’s large, round face, small features, rigid expression and square, slightly-raised shoulders are all characteristic features of the style of Buddhist paintings that emerged after the late 18th century. The Bodhisattva on the left is presumed to be Munsubosal (Manjusari Bodhisattva), judging from the fact that he is wearing a jeweled crown and holding a priest’s staff. Although the shoulders are too narrow compared to the head and the feet are too small, the long, thick cheonui (divine garment) draped over the arms adds a sense of stability to the overall form. The Bodhisattva on the right is similar in appearance to the one on the left. A record of the painting’s history is inscribed in the bottom of the painting. This hanging painting reveals the artistic style of Buddhist paintings that were prevalent after the mid-18th century, particularly in terms of the forms of the Buddhist figures, their facial expressions and physical proportions. It is an outstanding work of art produced with elaborate and expressive techniques, and is an invaluable work for the study of Buddhist paintings produced after the mid-18th century.