Cheongnyongsa Temple: Illustration of the Ullambana Sutra

SOUTH KOREA, North Gyeongsang, Yecheon; Joseon dynasty

One of the oldest illustrations of the Ullambana Sutra in South Korea, this picture was painted by a group of Korean artists in 1682 of the Joseon dynasty. It was listed as Treasure No. 1302 in 2000.
The painting is divided into two distinct sections by jagged mountains and clouds. Amitabha Buddha, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva are in the center of the upper section. On the right are the Seven Buddhas: Prabhutaratna, Surupakaya, Vipulakaya, Abhayamkara, Amitabha, Dipamkara, and Maitreya, as well as the disciple Maudgalyayana. Another Amitabha Buddha Triad and a Bodhisattva as a Guide stand on the left. In the center of the lower register, an altar laid with rice offerings is protected by Superior in Wisdom Bodhisattva and Superior in Compassion Bodhisattva, both manifested as ghost kings with disheveled hair. The altar is surrounded by small figures including benefactors, Dharma protecting generals, the Thunder Deity, and monks.