Located at Mumyeongsa Temple in Buyeo County, Chungcheongnam-do Province, this 14-meter-long scroll painting of Maitreya Buddha was first designated as a national treasure in 1997 and has been designated as a national treasure again by the National Cultural Heritage Administration 18 years later.
This is the first time a Buddhist painting has been designated as a national treasure since 1997. There are about 120 Buddhist paintings in existence in Korea, including 7 national treasures and 55 treasures.
Large Buddhist scroll paintings were often used for outdoor ceremonies at temples. Based on the inscription at the bottom of the scroll, the Mumyeongsa painting is believed to have been created in 1627 during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). Monks such as Baek Gyeong, Hye Yun, In Hak, and Hee Sang are said to have participated in the creation of the painting.
An official from the National Cultural Heritage Administration said: “The painting made an important contribution to the spread of Buddhist art at the time. Its scale, solemnity, age, symbolism and artistry make it a model of Korean Buddhist painting.”
The National Cultural Heritage Administration also announced on Thursday that three historical materials from the Joseon and Goryeo dynasties (918-1392) will be designated as national treasures.
