Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva

KOREA; Goryeo dynasty

This painting portrays Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva with fine facial features, sloping shoulders, and a slender figure. Based on the figure’s expression and the coloring techniques, this work was likely painted sometime during the Goryeo dynasty (918–1392).
Ksitigarbha has a round nimbus, wears a monastic robe, and stands in a graceful posture upon two lotus pedestals. Both hands grasp a monk’s staff. Intricate floral patterns are painted on the monastic robe. These decorative patterns depicted in gold are a common feature of Korean Buddhist paintings; they appear natural and blend seamlessly with the rest of the image. The head of the Bodhisattva is ultramarine green, and between the strands of hair, a green-blue color is visible. Gray color was applied to the back of the painting to create a soft three-dimensional effect on the body of the main figure.