Artwork Page for Standing Ksitigarbha

Details / Information for Standing Ksitigarbha

Standing Ksitigarbha

지장보살

1300–1350

Korea, Goryeo dynasty

(918–1392)
Medium
Hanging scroll; ink, color, and gold on silk
Measurements
Painting: 102.6 x 43.2 cm (40 3/8 x 17 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 2025.141
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

Only 10 of the 14th-century paintings of Ksitigarbha are known to exist in the world today. This is one of these rare surviving masterpieces.

Description

This fourteenth-century hanging scroll depicts Kṣitigarbha (지장보살), the Bodhisattva of Salvation in the guise of a youthful Buddhist monk. Clad in simple monastic robes, he holds a staff to announce his presence and a wish-fulfilling jewel symbolizing his vow to relieve suffering. Kṣitigarbha is believed to descend into the underworld to guide and liberate tormented souls trapped in purgatory. His compassionate mission made him a key figure in both East Asian visual and ritual tradition.
A hanging scroll depicts the bodhisattva Ksitigarbha, a person with light skin tone and a thin gold halo, standing upon two lotus flowers. He wears dark robes with circular gold patterns over an ornate red skirt. Ksitigarbha holds a tall staff in his right hand and a sphere in his left. The scene occurs within a dark rectangle, framed by an organic patterned border, highlighting his jewelry and downcast eyes.

Standing Ksitigarbha

1300–1350

Korea, Goryeo dynasty (918–1392)

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