Noyeong

KOREA; Goryeo dynasty

Noyeong was a Korean painter who, in 1307, completed the illustration of Amitabha Buddha and the Eight Great Bodhisattvas in order to fulfill a vow made by King Chungnyeol (reigned 1275–1308) of Goryeo. In 1327, he was actively involved in the painting of the murals in the Vairocana Hall of Seonwonsa Temple in Ganghwa.
His illustration of Amitabha Buddha and the Eight Great Bodhisattvas is the oldest painting with such a theme that survives today. On the reverse side of the painting, there is an illustration of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva set against Kumgangsan. A gold illustration in the upper register depicts King Taejo (reigned 918–943) of Goryeo standing on the clouds above the mountain and paying homage to the Bodhisattva. The composition of the piece is both complicated and symmetric, while the figures and overall theme are conspicuous. His painting style is light, the line drawing is delicate, and the curved lines are bold.