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Korea 18th c. Mineral pigments and gold paint on prepared fabric, mounted 46 x 43 inches, 117 x 109 cm |
Detail: Large Korean Painting of Shakyamuni, etc.- center detail This substantial Korean painting dating from the later Choson Period (1392-1910) is a depiction of the Buddha Shakyamuni teaching what became known as The Lotus Sutra, on a mountain site in northeastern India. As a sign of giving this important instruction, one of the fundamental texts of Mahayana Buddhism, the Buddha’s left hand is held in the “dharmachakra mudra” position, while his right hand is "touching the earth". He is surrounded by four bodhisattvas (embodiments of enlightened compassion) and two arhants (greatly realized adepts) on lotus seats with wisdom rainbow displays and other iconic depictions. The painting shows some wear to the surface commensurate with its age, but its presence is richly powerful, and it is augmented with many fascinating details. Detail: Large Korean Painting of Shakyamuni, etc.- bodhisattva figure detail |
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