양주 청련사 봉안 불화의 특징과 의미

Abstract

Cheongnyeonsa Temple, which is located in the Gaemyeongsan Mountain in Seokhyeon-ri, Jangheung-myeon, Yangju-si, Gyeonggi-do, is a major Buddhist temple associated with the Taego Order of Korean Buddhism. The temple was originally located in Wangsimni, Seongdong-gu, Seoul; and then in June 2010, it was moved to Yangju, Gyeonggi-do. Currently, twelve paintings are housed at Cheongnyeon-sa Temple. This article examines the history of the temple from the 19th century up to the present based on a research conducted by the author with a primary focus on Buddhist paintings. Most of the Buddhist paintings at Cheongnyeon-sa Temple were produced between the 19th and 20th centuries. The oldest painting according to documents-Chiseonggwangyeoraedo (a painting of Tejaprabha Buddha)-bears a statement that contains the names of two court ladies who supported its production. Three paintings that were produced later in 1880—Amitabulhoedo(Buddhist paintings of the preaching assemblies for Amitābha), Hyeonwangdo(a Yamaraja Painting), Gamnodo(a Nectar Ritual Painting)—are important in that they were made under the patronage of several court ladies. They are noteworthy as they exemplify the skills of a master monk painter named Chukyeon through their structural composition, detailed brushstrokes, and method of expression. Some Buddhist paintings produced under the patronage of civilians are also kept in the temple. In Cheongnyeonsaji (the journal of Cheongnyeonsa), the name of a court lady is mentioned as its main patron who made a donation to reconstruct the project in 1849. After five years, the names of a royal relative, Hong Hyeongju, and a former prime minister, Gweon Donin, were recorded as patrons of such projects. Records that show royal patronage are rare except for those of some paintings produced in 1880. Nonetheless, Cheongnyeon-sa Temple enjoyed heavy patronage from royal relatives, influential figures, and court ladies connected to the royal family. These Buddhist paintings and hall structures also reveal some characteristics of a private temple supported by the royal family. The paintings at Cheongnyeon-sa Temple are important resources in the investigation of its history from the late 19th century to the present. Furthermore, they are important pieces of evidence that provide comprehensive information about the iconographic features and stylistic idiosyncrasies of Buddhist paintings at the time, as well as their patrons and painter-monks.