Sinwonsa Temple: Vairocana Buddha

SOUTH KOREA, South Chungcheong, Gongju; Joseon dynasty

This hanging scroll was painted by a group of monks including Eungyeol, Hakjeon, Ilcheuk, and Seokneung. In 1997, it was listed as National Treasure No. 299. Vairocana Buddha wears a splendid headdress decorated with nine Buddha images and hanging ornaments. Standing on twin lotus pedestals, the Buddha forms mudras with long-nailed hands. Beaded ornaments and a stole hang over the monastic robe. The border of the mandorla is decorated with Buddha images, and the outer section of the nimbus is composed of colorful rings. Lines of rainbow light emanate from the Buddha, filling the background of the picture.
Nirmanakaya and Dharmakaya Buddhas, Manjusri and Samantabhadra Bodhisattvas, and apsaras are painted in the upper register. The Ten Great Disciples stand in two groups on either side of Vairocana’s nimbus. Beside the Buddha’s hands, Ksitigarbha and Cundi Bodhisattvas are on the left, and Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattvas are on the right. Other figures include six other Bodhisattvas, Brahma, Sakra, and the Four Heavenly Kings. The Bodhisattvas wear headdresses and ornaments, while the Heavenly Kings are dressed in armor.