central seated figure (Ksitigarbha) holding a clear sphere between cupped hands, circles about body and head; figure surrounded by people with two smaller figures below.

Ksitigarbha and the Ten Kings of Hell, 18th century

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In Korea, Buddhist monasteries stressed the communal nature of worship, with monks and laity chanting sutras and placing ceremonial offerings before religious images. As a result, large scale, brightly colored paintings became a common feature in worship halls during the Choson dynasty. This painting represents Ksitigarbha, a bodhisattva who is believed to intercede on behalf of people condemned to the torments of hell. As such, he is often pictured as in this painting, surrounded by the ten kings who reside over the various hells, and the grotesque creatures who carry out the kings' terrible punishments.

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Details
Title
Ksitigarbha and the Ten Kings of Hell
Role
Artist
Accession Number
97.70
Curator Approved

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central seated figure (Ksitigarbha) holding a clear sphere between cupped hands, circles about body and head; figure surrounded by people with two smaller figures below.