A king of hell

Place of OriginKorea

Date1600-1700

DynastyJoseon dynasty (1392-1910)

MaterialsInk and colors on silk

DimensionsH. 45 1/4 in x W. 34 1/4 in, H. 114.9 cm x W. 87 cm (image); H. 86 in x W. 46 in, H. 215.9 cm x W. 116.8 cm (overall)

Credit LineGift of Dr. and Mrs. Sun-Hak Choy in honor of Mr. James Dong-wu Kim, Mrs. Choy's father

Object numberB86D4

DepartmentKorean Art

ClassificationsPainting

On View

Not on view

Inscribedverse from the Lotus Sutra

More Information

Just as in their Chinese analogues, Korean paintings of the kings and courts of hell emphasize the juristic, bureaucratic nature of the afterlife. Here, as with any such enterprise, good record keeping, along with cross-checking and the approval of one’s superiors, are essential to proper and thus moral execution of one’s duties.