Late Joseon dynasty, 19th century, ink and colors on silk, the Bodhisattva Tongjin is featured as the central figure of the group identified by his feathered headpiece, he is flanked by two standing figures with ornate crowns and halos, the three are surrounded by eight standing guardian figures, presented loose with old paper backing.

48 x 49 in.

Purchased in Korea.

This painting was created for a Buddhist temple in Korea and would have been placed in the main hall. The main figure Tongjin is an important deity in Korea since he is the protector of the Dharma and the Lotus Sutra. Guardian Paintings (Sinjungtaengwha) are rarely available.

Some loss of pigments; white pigment on border is flaking; some small holes to paper; larger holes and loss to painting at lower right hand border of the painting; creasing and cracking; one vertical 2.5 in. tear at center top of the painting; some dirt and darkening to figures in top portion of painting perhaps due to placement in temple altar; the reverse paper backing is creased and has multiple repair strips as well as tears and loss.

$10,000 - 20,000