Damjing

KOREA; Goguryeo dynasty

Damjing was a Korean monk and artist who traveled to Japan in 610 to teach color painting, and the skills of producing paper, ink, and paint. According to the Chronicles of Japan, he was well-versed in the Five Classics and skilled in painting and decorative crafts. Additionally, he could produce paper, ink, and watermill. Damjing stayed at Horyuji Temple in Nara, Japan with Hojo, a Japanese monk, and gave Dharma lectures. He was known for painting the murals of the Four Buddha Lands, including the Sakyamuni Pure Land, in the Golden Hall of Horyuji Temple. Damjing was known as the first person to travel to Japan and teach the production of paper. He was also known for introducing color mixing techniques, which had a great impact on the vibrant paintings of the Asuka period (538–645).