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Wooden Amitabha Buddha Altarpiece in Bogwangjeon Hall of Namjangsa Temple, Sangju

상주 남장사 보광전 목각아미타여래설법상 ( 尙州 南長寺 普光殿 木刻阿彌陀如來說法像 )

Heritage Search Detail
Classification Treasure
Name of Cultural Properties Wooden Amitabha Buddha Altarpiece in Bogwangjeon Hall of Namjangsa Temple, Sangju
Quantity 1
Designated Date 1987.07.16
Age Late Joseon
Address Namjangsa Temple 259-22, Namjang 1-gil, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do

In a Buddhist sanctum, the wall behind the principal Buddha statue is usually adorned with a scroll or a frame of a Buddhist painting drawn on cloth or paper. Note, however, that Bogwangjeon Hall of Namjangsa Temple has a unique piece of art on its wall: a wooden sculpture representing various religious figures. This altarpiece, measuring 236 cm wide, 226 cm long, and 10-12 cm thick, is hung behind the statue of Vairocana Buddha. Vairocana Buddha is sitting on a lotus flower at the center, with ten Bodhisattvas, ten disciples, and Four Guardian Kings arranged in three columns of four rows on both sides. All Bodhisattvas are wearing a jeweled crown and holding a spray of flowers, and only one Bodhisattva has his hands clasped. The Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattvas are sitting on a lotus flower, whereas other figures are standing or bending their knees. The spaces between the figures are decorated with lotus flowers and buds, and two lines of auspicious clouds are sprouting above the principal Buddha. The face of Vairocana is square and rather big compared with the body. There is no way of finding out exactly when this altarpiece was made because no inscription has survived, but it displays the typical characteristics of Buddhist art during the late Joseon Period.