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Wooden Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Triad and Ten Underworld Kings of Jeondeungsa Temple, Ganghwa

강화 전등사 목조지장보살삼존상 및 시왕상 일괄 ( 江華 傳燈寺 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 Jeondeungsa Temple, Ganghwa
Quantity 31 Buddha statues
Designated Date 2012.12.27
Age The 14th year of the reign of King Injo of Joseon (1636)
Address 37-41, Jeondeungsa-ro, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon

These wooden statues of Buddhist deities, saints, and their dependents, all of which are enshrined in Jeondeungsa Temple in Ganghwa, were made in 1636 by a sculptor and Buddhist monk named Suyeon who also carved the Wooden Seated Buddha Triad enshrined in the temple’s Daeungjeon Hall thirteen years earlier. He formed a team of twelve monk to assist him with the carving of the Ksitigarbha, which is flanked by two acolytes, Ten Underworld Kings, Devil Kings, Judges, Lions, Children, Vajradhara, and other beings enshrined in Myeongbujeon Hall. Records say that the project of enshrining the statues required the participation of a large number of worshippers and alms givers, suggesting that it was a major festive event held in the area around Jeondeungsa Temple. The statue of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is characterized by a highly refined sense of proportion and balance. His attendant, Domyeong, also displays similar characteristics, including a realistic depiction of the face and the upper robe worn neatly over the monastic robe. Other statues, including the Ten Underworld Kings, also clearly show the characteristic features of a wooden sculpture carved by Suyeon. These Buddhist statues are regarded as valuable Korean Buddhist heritages not only because of their artistic excellence but also because there are clear records of when and by whom they were made and because they are still kept in their original location, Myeongbujeon Hall of Jeondeungsa Temple, performing their original function.