Buseoksa Temple Patriarch Hall Murals

SOUTH KOREA, North Gyeongsang, Yeongju; Goryeo dynasty

These six murals originally from Patriarch Hall were relocated to the Infinite Life Hall of Buseoksa Temple when the Patriarch Hall was undergoing reconstruction in 1916. During the reconstruction, an ink inscription was discovered suggesting that the murals date from 1377 of the Goryeo dynasty when the Patriarch Hall was first built, making them some of the oldest surviving Korean Buddhist temple murals, a rare and precious treasure. In 1962, the set was listed as National Treasure No. 46.
The murals, each 205 cm by 75 cm, depict Brahma, Sakra, and the Four Heavenly Kings. Brahma and Sakra appear peaceful, with closed eyes and gentle expressions. The Four Heavenly Kings have wide eyes, wear armor, and hold weapons. Although parts of the murals have peeled off, the colors are relatively well-preserved. These rare murals from the Goryeo dynasty (918–1392) provide valuable historical information in the study of Goryeo paintings.