The National Museum of Korea presents “Sutra Painting: In Search of Buddhahood” as the third
special exhibition of 2007. This is the first exhibition organized in Korea featuring the sutra
paintings of traditional Korea, and it will provide a chance to shed a new light on their cultural and
historical significance as well as their artistic value.  

Originally, the sutras were transcribed to provide reading materials for Buddhists and to
disseminate the teachings of Buddha. However, as the printing technology developed, the act of
transcribing sutra was recognized as a way to accumulate merit. And along with this improvement,
the sutras transformed from mere learning objects to art works, made with the finest paper and
were beautifully decorated with gold and silver letters and illustrations. 

This exhibition is especially meaningful in bringing together the best sutras in Korea and also the rare
Goryeo examples now preserved in Japan. This will offer a comprehensive overview of the periodical
characteristics of the sutra paintings. Moreover, by comparing them with Chinese or Japanese
examples, the viewers will be able to have a better understanding of the artistic uniqueness of
Korean sutra paintings.

The exhibition is intended to appreciate the religious depth and artistic achievement of the
traditional sutra paintings. In addition, the exhibition will lay a foundation in restoring the tradition
and culture of sutra paintings.