Muwisa Temple Ultimate Bliss Hall: Amitabha Buddha Triad

SOUTH KOREA, South Jeolla, Gangjin; Joseon dynasty

This mural on the back wall of the Ultimate Bliss Hall at Muwisa Temple is thought to have been commissioned by a group led by Gamgang Noji, and was painted by Seon Master Haeryeon. In 2001, it was listed as Treasure No. 1313. The mural differs from most Goryeo dynasty (918–1392) artworks which were commissioned by the nobility, and suggests the increasing popularity of Buddhism among the general public.
Amitabha Buddha sits on a Sumeru throne in the center of the mural. The Buddha is surrounded by a patterned nimbus and aureole, and is flanked by the standing Avalokitesvara and Ksitigarbha. Six Arhats can be seen in the background. The full faces of the figures, the gold circular patterns on Amitabha’s robe, the head scarf worn by Ksitigarbha, and the thin, delicately painted robe of Avalokitesvara point to the continuing influence of Goryeo dynasty art.