Winning the Auction After Confirming Listing in Germany
The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and Magoksa Temple, the head temple of the 6th district, announced on September 2 that they have successfully repatriated the "Sinjungdo" painting from Boseoksa Temple in Geumsan, Chungnam, which had previously been taken overseas.
The Jogye Order received information from the Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation in June that the "Sinjungdo" painting had been put up for auction in Germany. Although parts of the inscription at the front, including the production era and the name of the enshrining temple, were partially damaged, the authenticity of the piece was confirmed and the order expressed its intention to repatriate it. The painting was ultimately acquired at auction on June 26. After completing local customs clearance and transportation, it was brought back to Korea on August 21 and transferred to the Seongbo Museum at Magoksa Temple.
The "Sinjungdo" was painted in 1886 by Monk Yak Hyo (active until 1928) and is considered an important resource for studying the early painting style of Yak Hyo. At the top of the painting are Indra and Brahma, while in the center is Weitaian wearing a helmet adorned with feathers. Celestial boys and girls, as well as the Sun Palace and Moon Palace deities, are arranged facing Indra and Brahma. Below Weitaian, the Eight Legions of Devas and Nagas, depicted as armed guardians, are positioned. The painting is characterized by a vivid contrast between the dominant red tones and striking accents of blue and green.
Monk Yak Hyo began his artistic career in 1879 with the "Sakyamuni Preaching" at Bongnyeongsa Temple and mainly resided at Magoksa Temple, where he left behind more than 100 Buddhist paintings. Currently, 17 of his paintings are preserved at Magoksa Temple. The temple holds an annual memorial ritual to honor Monk Yak Hyo and is also working on establishing a Geumeowon (Painting Studio).
Wonkyung, the head monk of Magoksa Temple, stated, "We are grateful that this sacred treasure, which has deep ties to Magoksa, has returned even now. We will continue to actively work to ensure that the sacred treasures of Magoksa and its branch temples are restored to their original places." Monk Sungwon, Director of the Department of Culture, added, "We thank the Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation for providing the auction information, and the Jogye Order will continue to do its utmost for the repatriation of sacred treasures in close cooperation with relevant agencies and temples."
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