Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva

KOREA; Goryeo dynasty

Illustrations of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva wearing a hood were popular in Korea during the Goryeo dynasty (918–1392). According to the Ksitigarbha Sutra, one who perceives the image of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, hears or even recites the sutra can receive 28 kinds of benefits, including gaining shelter from the Dharma protectors, transforming from the female to the male form, having dreamless sleeps, and relieving ancestors from their sufferings.
In this painting, Ksitigarbha wears a patterned cloth draped over the head and behind the ears. The Bodhisattva has narrowed eyes, long ears, and a small mouth. The right hand holds a jewel between the fingers, and the left hand holds a thin monk’s staff. Intricate golden patterns and trim decorate the monastic robe. A golden nimbus encircles the head. Both feet rest upon lotus pedestals, with the left foot placed slightly forward. Ksitigarbha, portrayed against an empty dark background, is painted a light golden ocher with pale red gradations. The eyebrows and mustache are finely delineated in black. The empty background and straightforward presentation of the figure are typical of late Goryeo dynasty art.