Kimyongsa Temple: Assembly at Vulture Peak

SOUTH KOREA, North Gyeongsang, Mungyeong; Joseon dynasty

This painting depicts the Buddha giving the teaching that would become the Lotus Sutra at Vulture Peak. Sakyamuni Buddha, looking calm and tranquil, is in the center of the picture. He has white skin and wears a red and blue monastic robe. His right hand is at his side while his left hand rests in front of his abdomen. The Buddha’s nimbus and aureole are decorated with intricate floral patterns. Above the nimbus, there are colorful lines of light radiating outwards. The Eight Great Bodhisattvas, Eight Wisdom Kings, the Four Heavenly Kings, Sravakas and devotees stand in symmetrical rows and columns beside the Buddha. The Bodhisattvas and Heavenly Kings have green nimbuses, while the nimbuses of the Wisdom Kings and Sravakas are red.