Silsangsa Temple: Amitabha Buddha Assembly

SOUTH KOREA, North Jeolla, Namwon; Joseon dynasty

This picture from Silsangsa Temple on Jirisan Mountain is painted with gold lines on red silk. It was created by a group of five artists including Euigyeom. The central figure, Amitabha Buddha, is surrounded by eight Bodhisattvas and two disciples. Amitabha sits in full lotus position and holds up the right hand, forming a mudra. The Buddha’s loose robes fall in soft folds around the body. Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattvas, both with dark nimbuses and tall headdresses, stand beside the base of the Buddha’s throne. The rest of the Bodhisattvas hold lotus flowers or join their palms in reverence. The faces and hands of the figures are filled in with color.