Gyeongguksa Temple Ultimate Bliss Hall: Amitabha Buddha Assembly

SOUTH KOREA, Seoul; Joseon dynasty

Amitabha Buddha sits at the center of this painted assembly that was listed as Treasure No. 748 in 1993. The figure is elevated on an ornate lotus throne with a golden backing that serves as a mandorla. Eight Bodhisattvas surround the central figure, with Avalokitsvara and Mahasthamaprapta standing directly to the Buddha’s right and left. Five of the surrounding figures carry lotuses while Manjusri holds a sword and Ksitigarbha carries a monk’s staff. Another figure to the right has one hand in a mudra and holds a fan. A disciple located on the far left has hands held in reverence while another disciple, located on the other side, has his hands clasped together. Two Heavenly Kings stand guard on the lower level, while the two others are represented by signs at the top with their name written on them; namely Vaisravana, Heavenly King of the North and Virupaksa, Heavenly King of the West.
The composition is unified by a partly gilded and half-painted floral trellis. The carving technique and style indicate that this is an artwork of the late 19th century.