The Buddha Amitabha with the Eight Great Bodhisattvas

Here Amitabha, the Buddha of Infinite Light, is surrounded by the Eight Great Bodhisattvas. Amitabha is one of the most compassionate figures in the Buddhist pantheon and a central figure of Pure Land Buddhism, which proliferated in several parts of Asia, including Vietnam, China, Korea, and Japan. Amitabha promised all believers rebirth in the Pure Land, where souls are reborn rid of all impurities. Many scholars believe that the pairing of Amitabha with these eight bodhisattvas is unique to Korea.

Typical of late Goryeo Buddhist paintings, the figures in this painting are adorned with sumptuous garments decorated with delicate gold patterns, translucent nimbuses, and gilded skin tones. This luxurious aesthetic was prevalent during the Goryeo dynasty.