The “Maitreya Buddha Hanging Painting of Muryangsa Temple in Buyeo,” the earliest example of a large hanging scroll, to become a National Treasure

Announcement of National Treasure Designation by the National Heritage Administration on the 6th
Goryeo Lee Gyu-bo’s “Dongguk Yi Sang-guk Jeonjip” to be a Treasure, ‘[Edaily reporter Jang Byung-ho] The “Mireukbul Gwaebuldo of Muryangsa in Buyeo,” regarded as the origin of large Gwaebul paintings, will become a National Treasure, as announced on the 6th by the National Heritage Administration.’,
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“Mireukbul Gwaebuldo of Muryangsa in Buyeo,” announced to be designated as a National Treasure on the 6th. (Photo by National Heritage Administration)

, ‘The National Heritage Administration announced on the 6th that the “Mireukbul Gwaebuldo of Muryangsa in Buyeo” is to be designated as a National Treasure.’,
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, ‘The “Mireukbul Gwaebuldo of Muryangsa in Buyeo” is an extraordinarily large Gwaebul painting, measuring approximately 14 meters in length. It features the “Jang-eomshin” (莊嚴身), adorned with a splendid crown on the head and a beautifully decorated body, depicted in the form of a standing bodhisattva. It is considered the starting point of Jang-eomshin style Gwaebul and holds significant art historical value.’,
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, ‘Gwaebul paintings are large Buddhist murals displayed during outdoor ceremonies at temples. They showcase an overwhelming scale and a variety of iconographies, representing a unique cultural heritage found only in Korea. Gwaebuldo paintings were extensively created during the late Joseon Dynasty; initially portrayed in the seated form of the principal Buddha, they gradually transitioned into standing forms and increased in size.’,
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, ‘Gwaebuldo paintings continued to be produced from the 17th to the 20th century. Currently, there are about 120 examples across the country, including 7 National Treasures like the “Chiljangsa Obulhoe Gwaebul” and 55 Treasures such as the “Juklimsa Sejon Gwaebul.”‘,
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, ‘The designation of the Gwaebuldo as a National Treasure marks the first time in about 30 years since seven Gwaebul paintings were simultaneously designated in 1997.’,
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, ‘The National Heritage Administration stated, “This work represents the epitome of Korean Gwaebul paintings in terms of scale, majesty, timeliness, symbolism, and artistry, making it highly valuable for preservation as a National Treasure.” ‘,
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“Dongguk Yi Sang-guk Jeonjip,” the collected works of Goryeo-era writer Lee Gyu-bo, announced to be designated as a Treasure on the 6th. (Photo by National Heritage Administration)

, ‘Meanwhile, the National Heritage Administration announced that the collected works of the Goryeo-era literary figure Lee Gyu-bo, “Dongguk Yi Sang-guk Jeonjip Vol. 18-22, 31-41” held by the National Library of Korea, are to be designated as a Treasure.’,
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, ‘The National Heritage Administration stated, “Although only four volumes remain from the entire collection, it is the oldest and rarest edition among the existing materials, boasting the most quantity and best print quality among the editions held domestically. Its rarity is especially noted as a personal literary collection from the Goryeo period, when the compilation and printing of Buddhist texts were predominant.”’,
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, ‘The National Heritage Administration intends to gather and review opinions from various quarters during the 30-day announcement period for the “Mireukbul Gwaebuldo of Muryangsa” and the “Dongguk Yi Sang-guk Jeonjip,” before officially designating them as a National Treasure and a Treasure, respectively, following deliberation by the Cultural Heritage Committee.’