Buddha Amitabha

This image of Amitabha Buddha, painted in gold and other pigments on black silk, is a rare extant example of its kind produced during the early Joseon Period. The Buddha’s figure is outlined with gold with the details depicted with red lines. The protrusion (usnisa) on the top of the head and the lips are painted. The division of the composition into two parts, i.e. the upper and lower sections, the use of fine gold lines to depict minor details, and the Buddha’s seated posture on the lofty square pedestal, pointed usnisa and small lips share considerable similarities with the gold Buddhist illustration commissioned by Queen Munjeong (1501-1565), suggesting that it was produced during the late 16th century.