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Sutra and Box: Vessels of Enlightenment Leeum Museum of Art 5 September 2024–23 February 2025 Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art
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Press Release

The exhibition Sutra and Box: Vessels of Enlightenment highlights two outstanding masterpieces from the Goryeo Dynasty: a handwritten Buddhist manuscript and an intricately crafted sutra box. The seven volumes of the Lotus Sutra, written and illustrated entirely in gold, are presented in this exhibition. They reflect the ardent aspirations of the people of the time and offer visitors an opportunity to appreciate these priceless works. According to the votive inscription in the sutra, it was dedicated with utmost devotion in the first year of the reign of King Chungmok (1345) of the Goryeo Dynasty by a noblewoman of the highest rank. By means of the merit derived from this work, she hoped to ensure the royal family’s well-being and enlightenment.

Also on display is the Sutra Box, an illustrative work of Goryeo mother-of-pearl inlay of which only about twenty examples are known to exist. This exquisite box is decorated with countless finely cut mother-of-pearl fragments that are intricately arranged to form various floral patterns. Fine metal wires were used to prevent the inlay from falling out and to represent the stems between the flowers, demonstrating the blend of artistry and functionality that is the quintessence of Goryeo artisanry. This exhibition provides a meaningful opportunity to deeply understand the value and significance of these masterpieces created through a grand union of faith and art.

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About the Gallery

The Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art opened, after several years of preparation, as an international art and cultural center for the display of both Korean art and world art.

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Address
60-16 Itaewon-ro 55-gil
Yongsan-gu
Seoul
South Korea
Opening Hours
Tuesday – Sunday
10am – 6pm
Closed Monday and Public Holidays
(1)
Seoul 60-16 Itaewon-ro 55-gil, Yongsan-gu
Leeum Museum of Art contemporary art institution in Seoul South Korea
Leeum Museum of Art
60-16 Itaewon-ro 55-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
+82 2 2014 6900
http://www.leeum.org

Opening hours
Tuesday – Sunday
10am – 6pm
Closed Monday and Public Holidays
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