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Buddhist Painting of Tongdosa Temple (Illustration of the Avatamsaka Sutra)

통도사 화엄탱 ( 通度寺 華嚴幀 )

Heritage Search Detail
Classification Treasure
Name of Cultural Properties Buddhist Painting of Tongdosa Temple (Illustration of the Avatamsaka Sutra)
Quantity 1
Designated Date 2002.10.19
Age The 4th year of the reign of King Sunjo of Joseon (1811)
Address Tongdosa Museum 108, Tongdosa-ro, Habuk-myeon, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do

This piece was made using gold powder on black background. As a painting about nine sermon sessions at seven places appearing in Avatamsaka Sutra, it shows a simplified image of 80 sheets of Avatamsaka Sutra paintings in a piece composed of 3 tiers, with the upper part indicating Heaven and the middle and lower parts indicating Earth. The bottom displays the Thousand-Hand Avalokitesvara, Cundi Avalokitesvara, and Karma Mirror Stand. According to the relevant records, the piece was made by a group of monk painters including Cheonsu in 1811 (the 11th year of King Sunjo’s reign). Part of the piece was damaged, but there is no problem in understanding the images since each scene contains the relevant remarks. The brush strokes display exquisiteness. It is a unique one among paintings of its kind, making it a valuable material for those studying Buddhist paintings.