Ksitigarbha and the Ten Kings of Hell c. 18th century
anonymous
minneapolisinstituteofart
color-on-silk, ink
natural stone pattern
naturalistic pattern
abstract painting
color-on-silk
stain glass
pattern background
handmade artwork painting
ink
tile art
ethnic pattern
layered pattern
motif
This 18th-century anonymous painting, “Ksitigarbha and the Ten Kings of Hell,” depicts a scene from Buddhist cosmology. The central figure is Ksitigarbha, a bodhisattva who vowed to save all beings from the hells. He is surrounded by the Ten Kings of Hell, who are depicted in colorful robes and carrying various objects. This painting, now housed in the Minneapolis Institute of Art, uses vibrant colors and detailed imagery to illustrate a central story in Buddhist belief. The painting is a fine example of Buddhist art in the 18th century and displays the artist’s skill in capturing the complexities of Buddhist iconography and the vividness of religious narratives.
Comments
In Korea, Buddhist monasteries stressed the communal nature of worship, with monks and laity chanting sutras and placing ceremonial offerings before religious images. As a result, large scale, brightly colored paintings became a common feature in worship halls during the Choson dynasty. This painting represents Ksitigarbha, a bodhisattva who is believed to intercede on behalf of people condemned to the torments of hell. As such, he is often pictured as in this painting, surrounded by the ten kings who reside over the various hells, and the grotesque creatures who carry out the kings' terrible punishments.
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