흥천사 왕실 발원 불화의 성격과 화면분할식 극락구품도의 도상학적 연구

Abstract

The Painting of Nine Stages of Sukhavati (Buddhist paradise) at Heungcheonsa temple has several iconographic meanings. First, it is judged that the Painting of Nine Stages of Sukhavati at Heungcheonsa temple is a Royal family sponsored Buddhist painting created in Heungcheonsa temple in 1885, sponsored by court lady Hong on behalf of the Royal family, as well as the royal family including King Gojong and Queen Min, and the crown prince and princess. Second, this Painting of Nine Stages of Sukhavati expresses the iconography of the split screen type painting of Nine Stages of Sukhavati, which illustrates the peaceful passage into eternity of nine stages by dividing the screen into nine parts. Third, this Painting of Nine Stages of Sukhavati at Heungcheonsa temple is a masterpiece that exhibits a representative style of Buddhist painting such as a geometric composition, a rather sturdy and elegant form, and stable coloring showing a dignified tone among Buddhist paintings in the second half of the 19th century, that is, the late Joseon period. Fourth, as seen in the historical remark of this Painting of Nine Stages of Sukhavati, as a Royal family sponsored Buddhist painting in 1885, it is of great significance that it is a Buddhist painting of masterpiece created by Che‐hun, the best head monk painter representing the second half of the 19th century and Chuk‐yeon, the greatest master of shading, a Western painting technique. Fifth, this Painting of Nine Stages is a representative work of the time that has the significance of the original painting with the chronic record of year 1885 among the split screen type paintings of Nine Stages of Sukhavati. Keywords: Heungcheonsa temple, Royal family sponsored, Painting of Nine Stages of Sukhavati (Buddhist paradise), historical remark within Buddhist painting, Buddhist monk painter.