▲ This photo provided by the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage (NRICH) shows researchers examining a large Buddhist hanging scroll painting (gwaebul). (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, Feb. 27 (Yonhap) -- 

The National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage (NRICH) said Friday it has published an academic volume compiling about a decade of research on large Buddhist hanging scroll paintings, titled “Gwaebul Through Pigments and Records.”

 

Gwaebul refers to large Buddhist paintings used in outdoor rituals at temples. Most measure over 10 meters in height and are regarded as representative cultural heritage works of Korean Buddhist art, known for their vibrant colors.

 

Due to their massive size and outdoor use, however, they face a high risk of damage.

 

Since 2015, the institute has analyzed the conservation status of 64 major gwaebul paintings housed at temples nationwide and documented the pigments, textiles and coloring techniques used in their production in the newly published book.

 

The institute also compared hwagi — inscriptions left at the bottom of the scrolls — with major historical records such as the “Annals of the Joseon Dynasty” and the “Diary of the Royal Secretariat” to examine production sites and pigment supply conditions at the time.

 

 

▲ This photo provided by the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage (NRICH) shows the cover and pages from the academic volume on gwaebul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

An institute official said the publication brings together previously fragmented research on gwaebul from a materials perspective and will serve as key foundational data for future restoration and conservation efforts.

 

The book was produced with support from the national lottery fund and is available as an e-book on the institute’s website.

 

[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]