법화경변상도 고려|Illustrated manuscript of the Lotus Sutra (Miaofa lianhua jing), Volume 2
ca. 1340
Medium
Accordion-fold book; gold and silver on indigo-dyed mulberry paper
Dimensions
Image: 9 x 4 1/2 in. (22.9 x 11.4 cm) Overall: 13 x 4 1/2 x 7/8 in. (33 x 11.4 x 2.2 cm)
Classification
Paintings
Culture & Period
Korea · Goryeo dynasty (918–1392)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, Lila Acheson Wallace Gift, 1994
Accession Number
1994.207
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite accordion-fold manuscript, *Illustrated Manuscript of the Lotus Sutra (Miaofa lianhua jing), Volume 2*, dates to around 1340 during Korea's Goryeo dynasty (918–1392), a era when Buddhism flourished as the state religion. The Lotus Sutra, a foundational Mahayana Buddhist text revered for its teachings on universal enlightenment, was often copied and illustrated in lavish editions to spread its wisdom and accrue spiritual merit. Produced by an unidentified artist, this volume exemplifies Goryeo's devotion to sacred art, blending scripture with vivid imagery of Buddhas and bodhisat...