Ssanggyesa Temple Hall of Eight Pictures: Assembly at Vulture Peak

SOUTH KOREA, South Gyeongsang, Hadong; Joseon dynasty

Hung on the back wall of the Hall of Eight Pictures, this painting symbolically illustrates the Buddha teaching the Dharma at Vulture Peak as described in the “Introductory Chapter” of the Lotus Sutra. Many similar illustrations were painted on hanging scrolls for use in outdoor Dharma services. In 1987, this painting was listed as Treasure No. 925.
The central figure, Sakyamuni Buddha, has long ears, an urna, and a usnisa. Wearing a delicately patterned monastic robe, he sits in full lotus position on a Sumeru throne, forming a mudra with each hand. The nimbus and the aureole are decorated with colorful patterns and small Buddha images. Sakyamuni is surrounded by Bodhisattvas, the Four Heavenly Kings, disciples, and the Eight Classes of Dharma Protectors. The bright colors in the painting are slightly faded, but the beautiful patterns on the clothing of the figures and their carefully painted ornaments are still clear.