Buddhist Painting of Heungguksa Temple (Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva)

This painting enshrined in Wontongjeon Hall depicts Sudhana going to Mount Potalaka to hear the sermon of Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of Great Compassion. It was created in 1723 under the supervision of Uigyeom, the most renowned painter-monk of the 18th century.

In the center of the painting, Avalokitesvara is depicted sitting on undulating waves. To his right is a kundika bottle filled with pure water, a distinguishing characteristic of Avalokitesvara, as well as two mythical kalavinka birds in flight. To the left, green bamboo trees are depicted on a rock cliff. This is a depiction of the Western Paradise as described in the Avatamsaka Sutra (The Flower Garland Sutra). On the right at the level of Avalokitesvara’s knee, Sudhana can be seen leaning slightly forwards with his hands held together in prayer.

Avalokitesvara’s soft and gentle facial expression is well depicted, while the composition is consistent and the contours are detailed. Also, the reds, greens, and blues are combined harmoniously to evoke a feeling of splendor. The composition of this painting is similar to other paintings of Avalokitesvara created by Uigyeom. It is a remarkable work of art that demonstrates the typical features of Avalokitesvara paintings of the late period of the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910).

Source: Korea Heritage Service signboard ↗ · collected 2026-10-08