Medicine Buddha Assembly

KOREA; Joseon dynasty

According to the inscription at the bottom, this painting was commissioned by Queen Munjeong and dedicated to her son King Myeonjong (reigned 1546–1567) of the Joseon dynasty, at a time when Confucianism became the accepted religion and Buddhism was suppressed. After years of official suppression, Korean Buddhism experienced a revival under the patronage of Queen. This valuable court painting reveals the Queen’s belief in Buddhism. She repealed restrictive laws and commissioned numerous Buddhist artworks.
Medicine Buddha sits on a lotus throne in the center of the painting. The Buddha has a large, round face, and a usnisa topped with a jewel. The patterned monastic robe blends with the decorative aureole depicted behind the body. The left hand supports a medicine bowl, and the right hand is raised, forming a mudra. Below the Buddha’s throne, Suryaprabha and Candraprabha Bodhisattvas stand with joined palms. The Eight Great Bodhisattvas and the Twelve Yaksa Generals are depicted on the sides of the painting. Gold paste was used to draw the fine golden lines that define the numerous figures.