Jugnimsa Temple: Sakyamuni Buddha

SOUTH KOREA, South Jeolla, Naju; Joseon dynasty

Large Buddhist scrolls, called “gwaebul” in Korean, are often used in outdoor ceremonial events. They are typically classified into three types: “gundohyeong” contain many Buddhist figures, “samjonbul” include a triad, and “dandokbul” have only one figure. Painted by two artists in 1622, this is the oldest dated example of a Korean Buddhist hanging scroll. An inscription on the picture once stated the name of the temple where it was originally kept, but it has been altered to read Jugnimsa Temple. In 1998, the scroll was listed as Treasure No. 1279.
In this scroll, Sakyamuni Buddha sits in full lotus position on a lotus throne. He has a round face, large ears, a short neck, narrow shoulders, and long, thin arms. This portrayal resembles depictions of the Buddha in Korean sculptures, especially a Buddha carved on a cliff in Wolchulsan during the Goryeo dynasty (918–1392). Sakyamuni wears a monastic robe with patterned hems. His left hand rests in front of the abdomen, and the right hand is extended downwards, forming the bhumisparsa (earth-touching) mudra. A bright usnisa stands out amidst the Buddha’s dark hair. The petal-shaped nimbus and aureole overlap, and are decorated with beautiful floral patterns. Colorful lines extend outwards from the nimbus, and pale colored clouds are painted around the aureole and at the top and bottom of the scroll.