Buseoksa Temple: Assembly of Buddhas

SOUTH KOREA, North Gyeongsang, Yeongju; Joseon dynasty

This hanging banner was originally displayed in Buseoksa Temple, South Korea. The central figure, Sakyamuni Buddha, sits in full lotus position on a Sumeru throne. Sakyamuni has a solemn expression and reaches down with the right hand to form a mudra. The Buddha is surrounded by disciples, the Eight Great Bodhisattvas, the Four Heavenly Kings, and Eight Classes of Dharma Protectors.
In the middle of the upper register, Vairocana Buddha is seated in full lotus position with hands forming the bodhyangi (wisdom fist) mudra. On the right is the Medicine Buddha holding a medicine bowl, attended by Suryaprabha and Candraprabha Bodhisattvas. Amitabha Buddha is shown on the left, accompanied by the Bodhisattvas Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta. The Buddhas of the Ten Directions sit on top of rounded clouds in the upper corners. Beautiful patterns fill the aureoles of the Buddhas. Many of the other figures are dressed in ornate robes and wear decorative headdresses. The bright coloring and the orderly composition are characteristic of Joseon art.