Seonunsa Temple: Thousand Buddhas

SOUTH KOREA, North Jeolla, Gochang; Joseon dynasty

The Thousand Buddhas refer to the Buddhas of the Past, of the Present, and of the Future. In some cases all three groups of Thousand Buddhas are shown in the same picture, but the Thousand Buddhas of the Present are the most commonly painted group.
This painting of 250 Buddhas is one of four pieces that would be combined to depict the Thousand Buddhas. Five Buddhas stand in the center of the upper register, flanked by groups of three Buddhas on each side. The three groups of figures are contained within three circles surrounded by clouds. The 250 Buddhas in the lower register are arranged in groups of 10 or 11 in 18 rows. Every Buddha sits in lotus position and has a nimbus and an aureole. They wear red monastic robes draped over their shoulders and display various mudras. The painting is primarily colored in red and green, characteristic of Joseon dynasty Buddhist art.