Pyochungsa Temple Hall of Great Light: Amitabha Buddha Triad

SOUTH KOREA, South Gyeongsang, Miryang; Joseon dynasty

The Amitabha Buddha Triad is depicted against a blue background bordered by colorful clouds. Each of the three figures stands upon a pair of lotuses and has a dark nimbus. The hems of their red robes are decorated with intricate floral patterns. Amitabha Buddha, who has blue hair topped with a jewel, is in the center of the painting. Avalokitesvara stands on the right, wearing a large headdress with a Buddha image in the center and holding a lotus. On the left, Mahasthamaprapta also holds a lotus and wears a similar headdress, but with a small vase surrounded by colorful lines in the center. The figures are depicted in the late Joseon style, particularly the fact that they are shown standing rather than sitting, a departure from early Joseon art.