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Wooden Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Triad and Ten Underworld Kings of Ssangbongsa Temple, Hwasun

화순 쌍봉사 목조지장보살삼존상 및 시왕상 일괄 ( 和順 雙峰寺 木造地藏菩薩三尊像 및 十王像 一括 )

Heritage Search Detail
Classification Treasure
Name of Cultural Properties Wooden Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Triad and Ten Underworld Kings of Ssangbongsa Temple, Hwasun
Quantity 21
Designated Date 2011.11.01
Age The 8th year of the reign of King Hyeonjong of Joseon (1667)
Address Ssangbongsa Temple 741, Jeung-ri, Iyang-myeon, Hwasun-gun, Jeollanam-do

The Wooden Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Triad of Ssangbongsa Temple in Hwasun, and the associated statues of the Ten Underworld Kings were carved in 1667 by Unhye and a number of other monk sculptors belonging to his coterie, according to the documents found inside some of the statues and the chronicles of Ssangbongsa. These statues mirror well the style of Unhye, this eminent monk sculptor of late Joseon, who were active in the mid- to late 17th century, in the Jeolla-do region. Meanwhile, painted motifs on the sculptures are excellently preserved, retaining their vibrant colors. The statues of the Ten Underworld Kings and their retinue, ideally marrying the art of sculpture with painting, are of great significance for research into late-Joseon color-painted Buddhist sculptures. In terms of his influences, Unhye was an artist in the lineage of Suyeon and Yeongcheo, two leading monk sculptors of the early 17th century, and his style, in turn, influenced that of Gyeongrim. Sculptures by Unhye were characterized by a robust body conveying a massive feel and a rich sense of volume, and thick and forceful lines. These characteristics are very visible in the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva triad and the statues of the Ten Underworld Kings of Ssangbongsa. Meanwhile, as its date of creation is clearly known (1667), this Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva triad offers important clues about ages of other undated sculptures of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva and the Ten Underworld Kings, such as the ones in Daeheungsa Temple in Haenam, Baengnyeonsa Temple in Gangjin, Mihwangsa Temple in Haenam, Donghwasa Temple in Suncheon, and Jeonghyesa Temple in Suncheon which appear to be the works of monk sculptors affiliated to Unhye. Finally, these statues of Ssangbongsa are arguably the best examples among all of the above works, striking a fine balance between the depth of religious feelings and the sober, plebeian aesthetic of 17th-century Buddhist sculpture. The statues of the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva triad and the Ten Underworld Kings of Ssangbongsa Temple are invaluable for understanding the style of Unhye, a major monk sculptor of the mid- to late 17th century, and his evolution as an artist over the course of his career and for precisely establishing his chronology.