Guardian king of the west (Gwangmok cheonwang)
Artist
Jae-u
and others (Korean, b. 1966)
Date2002-2003
CultureBuddhism
MaterialsInk and mineral colors on cotton
DimensionsH. 136 1/4 in x W. 85 1/2 in, H. 346.1 cm x W. 217.2 cm (overall)
Credit LineGift of Jae-u
Object number2004.10
DepartmentKorean Art
ClassificationsPainting
On View
Not on viewThis painting celebrated the Asian Art Museum's relocation to the current Civic Center site in 2003. The Buddhist nun and artist Jae-u recreated the Guardian King of the West of the Buddhist tradition to honor the occasion.
Comparison to a traditional painting of the same subject shows an aspect of Jae-u's reinterpretation of the past. The fierce guardian clad in armor and surrounded by flames follows the tradition, but the objects in his hands are altered. He holds a flying dragon in his right hand instead of a treasure box or pagoda, and a jeweled orb chased by dragons in his left, instead of a spear.
The artist started the project in Korea in 2002 and finished the work during her fall 2003 residency at the museum, painting the deity's eyes last, as is customary. A symbolic "eye-opening" ceremony was performed on December 20, 2003. The participants' names in this project and a dedication prayer are inscribed on the bottom.
Comparison to a traditional painting of the same subject shows an aspect of Jae-u's reinterpretation of the past. The fierce guardian clad in armor and surrounded by flames follows the tradition, but the objects in his hands are altered. He holds a flying dragon in his right hand instead of a treasure box or pagoda, and a jeweled orb chased by dragons in his left, instead of a spear.
The artist started the project in Korea in 2002 and finished the work during her fall 2003 residency at the museum, painting the deity's eyes last, as is customary. A symbolic "eye-opening" ceremony was performed on December 20, 2003. The participants' names in this project and a dedication prayer are inscribed on the bottom.
1800-1900
1800-1900
