Hanging Painting of Dabosa Temple

Large hanging banner paintings were displayed outdoors on special occasions such as the Buddha’s birthday, outdoor rites, and the funerals of eminent monks.

The hanging painting of Dabosa Temple was painted in 1745 by 10 painters of the royal court including the painter-monk Uigyeom. It was made to pray for the longevity of the king, queen, and the crown prince of the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910) and to pray that all living beings may follow the teachings of the Buddha. It is said that it was originally enshrined in the Boheungsa Temple and later moved to Dabosa Temple.

The painting, measuring 11.4 m in length and 8.5 m in width, was made on hemp canvas using deep pigments. A triad consisting of Sakyamuni Buddha at the center and Manjusri (Bodhisattva of Wisdom and Insight) and Samantabhadra (Bodhisattva of Great Conduct) to either side fills the majority of the canvas. Above the triad are four small figures, namely Avalokitesvara (Bodhisattva of Great Compassion), Mahasthamaprapta (Bodhisattva of Wisdom and Strength), Prabhutaratna (Buddha of Abundant Treasure), and Amitabha (the Buddha of the Western Paradise).

During times of drought, this painting was hung at the entrance to the local government office as part of a rain ritual.

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