13-meter scroll reflects Buddha's mercy

“Gwaebul Buddhist Hanging Scroll at Bukjangsa Temple” / Courtesy of National Museum of Korea

By Kwon Mee-yoo

Buddha's Birthday falls on Saturday this year and the National Museum of Korea (NMK) exhibits a special Buddhist hanging scroll known for granting wishes to commemorate the 2560th birthday of Buddha.

Titled "Buddhist Hanging Scroll at Bukjangsa Temple: The Buddha listens to prayers," the thematic exhibition is a part of the NMK's series shedding light on large Buddhist hanging paintings, known as Gwaebul.

The centerpiece of this year's exhibit is the 13.3-meter-high painting from Bukjangsa Temple in Sangju, North Gyeongsang Province. The painting, dating back to 1688, is one of the largest of its kind in Korea and the largest painting to be displayed at the museum.

The hanging painting was created with donations and support from Buddhist believers in the late 17th century and depicts Shakyamuni Buddha preaching on Yeongchwisan Mountain.

In the painting, Buddha is in a standing position, unlike the more common seated image, the first example of such a pose in Korean Buddhist art. With the standing Buddha as the main figure, the hanging painting also features an audience listening to Buddha's teachings.

"The composition changed because this painting was not for displaying inside the Buddhist sanctum, but for hanging outside during outdoor ceremonies," NMK curator Yoo Kyung-hee said.

The painting of Bukjangsa Temple is known for answering prayers, especially ritual ceremonies for rain. There are records of the hanging painting used during rain-calling ceremonies in the town chronicles.

Along with this hanging scroll, the museum showcases other Buddhist paintings that grant wishes.

The seven piece "Hanging Scroll of Arhat" from Goryeo Kingdom (918-1392) is displayed altogether for the first time. People prayed for the peace and safety of the country to this painting of Buddha's disciples.

The exhibit also reveals a painting of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva purchased last year. Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva symbolizes compassion and thus people prayed for salvation to this Bodhisattva.

"Back then, people's wishes and prayers were not for something grand. They were more trivial, such as wishes for health and happiness of the family," curator Yoo said.

Some of the paintings are in an even more familiar style, incorporating characteristics of folk painting. People often make wishes with mountain spirits and paintings of a deified tiger reflect such faith in the pursuit of good luck and virtue.

The Buddhist paintings are on display until Nov. 6. For more information, visit www.museum.go.kr or call 02-2077-9000.