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- Title
Reise ins Reich der Wiedergeburt der Menschen, der Unterwelt und in Zwischenparadiese. Ein buddhistisches Tempelbild aus Korea.
- Authors
SCHWEDES, MARTIN
- Abstract
One general function of the early 20th century Korean Buddhist temple painting in Berlin's Ethnology Museum collection was to show temple visitors the various possibilities of rebirth. In narrative ways, the painting depicts some of these interdependent realms into which Buddhists can be reborn, such as the netherworld with its various punishments, Buddhist paradises as well as human existence. The collection provides an interesting example oftbe visual depiction of the Buddhist pantheon, rituals performed by humans, as well as human figures and examples of material culture within the context of 20th century Korean Buddhism during the Japanese occupation. By using primary sources like Buddhist sutras, and comparing the iconography of the painting to other Korean Buddhist works with similar motifs, e.g. nectar ritual paintings and paintings used ritually in temple judgement halls, the article seeks to identify the figures in the pantheon (Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and lesser deities) and to interpret the actions depicted. The activities involving humans are also analysed. It emerges that some of them are connected to ideas of transition during the human lifecycle as well as to the whole circle of different forms of rebirth a person must go through. A glossary of selected key Buddhist terms in Chinese characters (as they are also used in the Korean context) is attached.
- Subjects
BERLIN (Germany); GERMANY; SOUTH Korea; PAINTING; BUDDHIST temples; MUSEUMS; RELIGIOUS idols; SYMBOLISM in art; REINCARNATION in Buddhism
- Publication
Baessler-Archiv, 2008, Vol 56, p67
- ISSN
0005-3856
- Publication type
Article