▲ This photo provided by the Korea Heritage Service (KH) shows Byeolsang (L) and Malseonang from the "Shamanic Paintings of Seoul Geumseong Shrine." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, June 23 (Yonhap) -- Paintings housed at a shamanic shrine dedicated to Prince Geumseong, a son of King Sejong of the Joseon Dynasty, have been designated as national heritage, authorities said Tuesday.

 

The Korea Heritage Service (KH) said it has designated the "Shamanic Paintings of Seoul Geumseong Shrine," owned by the Eunpyeong History Hanok Museum in Seoul, as National Folklore Cultural Heritage.

 

Shamanic paintings depict deities worshipped in Korean folk religion.

 

Seoul Geumseong Shrine, designated as National Folklore Cultural Heritage in 2008, is a ritual site that enshrines both Geumseong Daewang, the mountain deity of Geumseong Mountain in Naju, and Prince Geumseong as objects of worship.

 

Prince Geumseong (1426-1457), a son of King Sejong, is known for attempting to restore his nephew King Danjong to the throne after the young monarch was dethroned by King Sejo. His efforts ended in tragedy.

 

The Geumseong Shrine collection consists of eight paintings believed to have been produced in the late 19th century.

 

They portray various deities believed to govern human fortune and disease, including Blind Master, Blind Samsin Lady, Sambulsa Grandmother and Byeolsang.

 

▲ This photo provided by the Korea Heritage Service (KH) shows the Sambulsa Grandmothers from the "Shamanic Paintings of Seoul Geumseong Shrine." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap) ▲ This photo provided by the Korea Heritage Service (KH) shows the Blind Master (L) and the Blind Samsin Lady from the "Shamanic Paintings of Seoul Geumseong Shrine." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

 

Blind Master was believed to bring prosperity to descendants and good fortune to families, while Hogu Lady was thought to ward off diseases such as smallpox.

 

Scholars believe the paintings may also have connections to Buddhist art.

 

Features such as rounded faces and long, auspicious-looking fingers are commonly found in Buddhist paintings, leading some to suggest that the works may have been created by monk painters.

 

Compared with typical shamanic paintings, the Geumseong Shrine paintings are noted for their sophisticated three-dimensional effects and intricate decorative patterns.

 

"The number of shamanic paintings from the 19th century known today is extremely limited, making these works highly rare," the Korea Heritage Service said.

 

"It also possesses originality and artistic excellence that distinguish it from other shamanic paintings in terms of form and style," it added.

[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]