Items Similar to Korean Buddhist Guardian Mural Taenghwa Painting, c. 1800
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 5
Korean Buddhist Guardian Mural Taenghwa Painting, c. 1800
About the Item
Evolving from the Korean tradition of tomb mural painting came the Buddhist practice of “taenghwa,” or hanging-painting, a form of religious painting that included hanging scrolls, framed paintings and wall murals. Influenced by Chinese and Central Asian Buddhist art, taenghwas were painted with Buddhist iconography and were used in Buddhist temples as visual aids during rituals and meditation. The earliest surviving examples of taenghwa date to the early 13th century and were composed of silk gauze and mineral colors. These paintings would portray images of prominent Buddhas and bodhisattvas or depict stories from Buddhist scripture. This example dates to the later Joseon dynasty (1392-1910), a period wherein the presiding Confucian government gradually suppressed Buddhist institutions, resulting in a stylistic shift in taenghwa painting towards brighter colors, smaller scales and simpler materials.
This example is a form of shinjung taenghwa (신중탱화), which loosely translates to “altar painting of guardian deities,” or “guardian mural” for short. The central figure, wearing a feathered headdress and illuminated by a halo, is Tongjin Posal, or Skanda, a bodhisattva charged with protecting the Lotus Sutra of the True Law, one of the most revered of all Mahāyāna Buddhist texts. Typically placed above the middle altar of a Buddhist temple, the shinjung taenghwa houses the lesser deities and Tongjin Posal is commonly positioned in the center as their defender. The figures surrounding Tongjin Posal are various heavenly gods and goddesses who together comprise the sinjung, or Host of Spirits. Painted with gouache pigments in a dark palette of red, green, brown and blue, this taenghwa is a beautiful example of this traditional art form, composed with incredible movement, intricate detailing and rich symbolism.
Gouache paint on cotton. Framed.
Significant fading due to age. Some creasing.
- Dimensions:Height: 1 in (2.54 cm)Width: 42 in (106.68 cm)Depth: 42 in (106.68 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:c. 1800
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor fading.
- Seller Location:Chicago, IL
- Reference Number:
About the Seller
4.9
PAGODA RED is a renowned resource for designers as well as collectors of contemporary and ancient Chinese, Korean and Japanese art. They offer a curated edit of fine and provincial furniture, ceramics, scholars' objects, and paintings and textiles, each piece historically and geographically authentic.
Diamond Seller
These expertly vetted sellers are 1stDibs' most experienced sellers and are rated highest by our customers.
Established in 1997
1stDibs seller since 2006
1,427 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Chicago, IL
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
More From This SellerView All
- Ming Dynasty Chinese Mural Painting of Buddha Flanked by AttendantsLocated in Chicago, ILThis rare mural was painted in China over four centuries ago, and is an exquisite example of Buddhist art. The enlightened Buddha is shown standing at the center of the painting, dre...Category
Antique 17th Century Chinese Ming Paintings and Screens
MaterialsWood
- Korean Hanging Scroll of Bamboo, Prunus and OrchidsLocated in Chicago, ILThis exquisite hanging scroll painting from the late 18th century depicts the sacred form of the bodhisattva Guanyin, known in Japanese Buddhism as Shō Kannon, or Guze Kannon. Descri...Category
Mid-20th Century Korean Paintings and Screens
MaterialsSilk, Paper
- Tibetan Childbirth Manuscript PaintingLocated in Chicago, ILThis beautifully detailed Tibetan folk painting dates to the mid-20th century and shares traditional knowledge in the style of painted Buddhist thangkas or manuscript cards. Intended...Category
20th Century Tibetan Tibetan Paintings and Screens
MaterialsFabric
- "Tranquil River" Watercolor PaintingLocated in Chicago, ILThis charming watercolor is composed in the style of traditional ink calligraphy and depicts two ducks resting on a river bank. Tall grass and leafy sprouts dot the rocky terrain and...Category
20th Century Chinese Modern Paintings and Screens
MaterialsPaper
- Chinese Winter Landscape Painting, c. 1900Located in Chicago, ILExquisitely painted with delicate line work and a minimalist color palette, this Chinese scroll painting depicts an idyllic mountainside landscape in the middle of winter. The hangin...Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Paintings and Screens
MaterialsPaper
- "Scholar's Treasures" Chinese Painting, c. 1850Located in Chicago, ILA scroll and a small lantern depicted in this 19th century painting suggest the romantic notion of a Chinese scholar painting in the evening hours. Re...Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Paintings and Screens
MaterialsFabric
You May Also Like
- Japanese Buddhist Teaching PaintingLocated in Greenwich, CTJapanese Buddhist teaching painting, set of four paintings with 24 Buddhist stories with Japanese written characters in each story on one screen. Provenance: Purchased from Christie's South Kensington...Category
Antique 1820s Japanese Edo Paintings and Screens
MaterialsPaper
- Antique Framed Buddhist PaintingLocated in Yonkers, NYA Tibetan Thangka Buddhist painting hand-painted on canvas, created for the veneration of the Three Great Bodhisattvas. Embrace the rich tradition of Tibetan Buddhism with this vibra...Category
Antique 19th Century Tibetan Paintings and Screens
MaterialsCanvas, Glass, Wood
- Japanese Buddhist Painting, Hanging Scroll PaintingLocated in Greenwich, CTJapanese Buddhist Painting , Hanging Scroll Painting Depicted Amituofo and Budhisattva in the painting sitting on the lotus crown seats. Bea...Category
Antique 19th Century Japanese Paintings and Screens
MaterialsPaper
- Antique Thai Buddhist Banner PaintingLocated in Point Richmond, CAAntique Thai Buddhist Banner Painting, multi-coloured tempera and gold leaf on cloth, depicting Buddha Descending From Tavatimsa Heaven. An illustration o...Category
Antique 1850s Thai Other Paintings and Screens
MaterialsTextile, Plexiglass
- 18th Century Buddhist Chinese Scroll PaintingLocated in New York, NY18th century Buddhist Chinese Scroll Painting. This is a temple piece and has been re-backed numerous times over its life span. The practice...Category
Antique Late 18th Century Chinese Paintings and Screens
MaterialsPaper
- Korean Jakhodo Minhwa Folk Scroll PaintingLocated in Atlanta, GAA Korean Folk Art painting mounted as a hanging scroll. The watercolor on paper was likely dated from 1930s-1940s. The work depicts a "Jakhodo" theme (...Category
Vintage 1930s Korean Folk Art Paintings and Screens
MaterialsPaper
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Korean Buddha
Antique Buddha House
19th Century Korean Buddha
Chinese Green Silk Wall Hanging
Lotus Buddhist
Painting Of Buddha
Calligraphy Chinese 20th Century
Gilt Wood Carved Chinese Panel
Shinto Priest
Panel Hand Painted Folding Screen
Torii Old
Feather Sha
Japanese Scroll Kano
Antique Chinese Furniture Appraisal
Ming Fresco
Hand Carved Wooden Screen
Indonesian Screen
Cranes Red Crowned Art