조선후기 사찰의 고전소설 벽화 연구

Abstract

This study describes the current status and characteristics of novels featured in late Joseon temple murals, which are still in existence today, and examines the background and role of these novels selected for the temple murals. These classical novels depicted in the temple murals evenly range from the mid-18th century to the early 20th century. Except for Sinreuksa Temple in Jecheon, all of them are located in Gyeongsangnam-do. Classical Chinese novels, such as Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Journey to the West, and Records of the Grand Historian - Ranked Biographies, are included in the murals, while Korean novels, such as Imjillok and The Hare's Liver, are featured. Since these classical novels were painted in the interior and exterior spaces of temples, not privately owned buildings, for the purpose of providing not just an opportunity to appreciate the artworks but also a sense of awe and solemnity in a place for worship, they were chosen for the background of the temple murals and given a role in the temples. Basic elements represented in these classical novel murals were influenced by the editions of the texts or painting techniques in general. However, subjects were chosen in each scene to reflect the situation of the temples at the time and the characteristics of the halls. The scene of suryukjae, a Buddhist ceremony to console wandering spirits in waters, in Journey to the West reflected how suryukjae was actually conducted in Tongdosa, as it was chosen by Buddhist monk painters in Cheonji Myeongyang Suryukjaeui Chanyo modified in 1637 at Tongdosa Temple and Gwaebul painted in the 6th year of the reign of the Shunzhi Emperor (1649). The Hare's Liver was chosen in Tongdosa Temple, seemingly to pray for the next life of the dead with the characteristics of Myeongbujeon in mind as its surroundings were decorated solemnly with Sosangpalgyeongdo. As demonstrated above, these classical novel murals also functioned in defeating spirits, providing edification, and offering consolation, and served as a medium to link ordinary people and Buddhism at that time. In other words, by fully incorporating the appearance and atmosphere of the temples at that time, the classical novel murals would have duly played their role of bringing familiarity to worshippers visiting the temples.