Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva and the Ten Kings of Hell

KOREA; Goryeo dynasty

In 1990, this image of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva was listed as Treasure No. 1048. The Bodhisattva wears a scarf draped over the head and behind the ears. A large necklace covers the chest. The left hand is placed on the left knee, and the right hand is held up, possibly holding a jewel that has been obscured by damage. Ksitigarbha sits with the right leg tucked up against the body and the left leg extended downwards. Below the Bodhisattva, Brahma, Sakra, the Four Heavenly Kings, the Ten Kings of Hell, the monk Daoming, Poisonless Ghost King, and judges are shown. Most of the Ten Kings wear traveler’s hats and robes with round collars. They have solemn expressions and face towards the middle of the painting. At the bottom of the image, a white lion with a black mane is depicted with its head turned and mouth open.