Nyeongguksa Temple Great Hero Hall: Assembly at Vulture Peak

SOUTH KOREA, North Chungcheong, Yeongdong; Joseon dynasty

This painting was originally kept in the Great Hero Hall of Nyeongguksa Temple. Sakyamuni Buddha sits on a throne in the center of the picture. The Buddha has long ears, small eyes, and thin eyebrows. He wears a red monastic robe adorned with circular patterns. A white sash secures the orange inner robe and hangs down in front of the throne. The left hand rests in front of the stomach and the right hand reaches down, forming the bhumisparsa (earth-touching) mudra. Transparent rays of light radiate from Sakyamuni’s head and extend up to the top of the painting. The Eight Great Bodhisattvas, the Four Heavenly Kings, disciples, and heavenly beings stand beside the Buddha.