National Treasure 'Yeongsanhwesangdo', Commemorative Event on the 18th at Haeinsa Temple, Hapcheon

Held at the Haeinsa Sacred Treasures Museum
A Work Embodying Both Early and Late Joseon Buddhist Painting Characteristics
Depicts the Scene of Sakyamuni's Sermon
Intricate Gold Linework Enhances Artistic Value

The National Heritage Administration announced on the 18th that a commemorative event for the designation of the Buddhist painting "Hapcheon Haeinsa Yeongsanhoesangdo" as a National Treasure will be held on the 18th at the Haeinsa Sacred Treasures Museum.

Haeinsa Yeongsanhwesangdo in Hapcheon. Provided by the Cultural Heritage Administration

"Hapcheon Haeinsa Yeongsanhoesangdo," a Buddhist painting depicting the scene of Sakyamuni preaching the Lotus Sutra to his disciples, was designated as a Treasure in 1997 and was elevated to National Treasure status last December after more than 30 years. According to the information inscribed at the bottom of the painting, it was created in 1729 (the 5th year of King Yeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty) with the participation of Uigyeom (義謙), Yeoseong (汝性), Haengjong (幸宗), Minhui (敏熙), and Malin (抹仁). It was moved from the Daejeokgwangjeon Hall of Haeinsa to the Sacred Treasures Museum in 2002.

"Hapcheon Haeinsa Yeongsanhoesangdo" embodies characteristics of Buddhist paintings from both the early and late Joseon periods. While overall maintaining the color scheme typical of late Joseon Buddhist paintings, the facial expressions of the disciples and detailed patterns reflect features of early Joseon Buddhist art. The faces and bodies of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas are painted in gold, and all the robes' patterns are intricately rendered with fine gold lines, which is highly valued for its artistic merit.

The commemorative event will be attended by Choi Eungcheon, head of the National Heritage Administration; Ven. Hyeil, head monk of Haeinsa; Ven. Hyunseok, director of the Haeinsa Sacred Treasures Museum; and Park Myunggyun, Deputy Governor of Gyeongsangnam-do, among others.