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Wooden Amitabha Buddha Altarpiece and Related Documents of Daeseungsa Temple, Mungyeong

문경 대승사 목각아미타여래설법상 관계문서 ( 聞慶 大乘寺 木刻阿彌陀如來說法像 關係文書 )

Heritage Search Detail
Classification Treasure
Name of Cultural Properties Wooden Amitabha Buddha Altarpiece and Related Documents of Daeseungsa Temple, Mungyeong
Quantity
Designated Date 1973.12.31
Age
Address Daeseungsa Temple 283, Daeseungsa-gil, Sanbuk-myeon, Mungyeong, Gyeongsangbuk-do

This wooden altarpiece was originally housed in Buseoksa Temple before it was moved to Daeseungsa Temple. The scene and the figures represented in this bas-relief combining openwork sculpture are from a hanging scroll. Buddhist hanging scroll, images on a Buddhist subject, painted usually on fabric or paper, are often hung behind the altar of a worship place as an altarpiece. Wooden thangka of this type were quite popular in late Joseon. This item is one of the finest examples of its kind. The Amitabha Buddha is a separate piece of wood sculpture, placed on a lotus throne which is carved in the middle of the bas-relief, along with a mandorla. The rest of the bas-relief is filled with the figures of attendants, seated in five rows. The associated documents relate disputes that existed between Daeseungsa and Buseoksa prior to the relocation of this altarpiece to the former and include ‘Sangju Daseungsa-oe sasaseungdo deungjang,’ ‘Sangju Sabulsan Daeseungsaseungdo deungjang,’ ‘Donae Sangju Sabulsan Daeseungsajeseung deungjang,’ and ‘Wanui.’ This altarpiece is considered invaluable for research into late Joseon Buddhist sculpture.