Altar Painting of the Tripitaka Bodhisattvas in Daedungsa Temple, Gumi

This Buddhist painting depicts the Three Bodhisattvas, who symbolize the realms of heaven, earth, and the underworld, as well as their retinue. It was painted in 1740 by the monk artisans Wollyun, Chiheum, and Upyeong, who were active in the Gyeongsangbuk-do region.

The painting, made on a large canvas measuring 279 cm in width by 238 cm in height, depicts the Heavenly Bodhisattva seated in the center, with the Earthly Bodhisattva and Ksitigarbha (the Underworld Bodhisattva) to each side. The members of their retinue are arranged around them in an orderly and systematic fashion.

This painting is characteristic of early 18th-century Buddhist paintings, as seen in its beautiful and sophisticated style, its stable composition, and its harmonious use of red and green. It also provides insight into the artistic style of artisan monks of the Gyeongsangbuk-do region.

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