Hwaeomsa Temple: Assembly at Vulture Peak

SOUTH KOREA, South Jeolla, Gurye; Joseon dynasty

This masterpiece from the mid-17th century depicts Sakyamuni Buddha sitting with Manjusri and Samantabhadra Bodhisattvas at Vulture Peak. It was listed as National Treasure no. 302 in 1992. Sakyamuni Buddha has a thin mustache and beard, and a usnisa topped with a jewel. His narrow eyes stare straight at the viewer. Rays of light are emitted by the Buddha’s urna. He wears a monastic robe decorated with detailed patterns. Waves of colored light and a canopy are painted above his head. Manjusri and Samantabhadra both wear magnificent headdresses and hold lotuses. Their aureoles are filled with floral patterns. At the bottom of the painting are the Heavenly Kings Virupaksa and Virudhaka. In between them there is a table with an incense burner and some offerings. The Ten Great Disciples, two Buddhas, and the Heavenly Kings Vaisravana and Dhrtarastra stand to the left and right of the Buddha’s head. Two groups of five Buddhas floating on clouds are painted in the top corners.