About Goryeo Buddhist paintings

“Goryeo Buddhist Paintings” are prominent Korean artworks that are said to have originated in the 13th and 14th centuries. Known for their intricate depiction of Buddhist icons in the form of colossal hanging scrolls, artists made use of vibrant colours and adorned the patterns with gold. Owing to the wide spread following of Buddhism during the Goryeo period, these Buddhist paintings were usually sponsored by the royal families, who used them for ceremonies and funerals. Illustrations often reflected the messages of Pure Land Buddhism or Amidism featuring Buddhas and Bodhisattvas for instance Avalokiteśvara amongst others, who were worshipped by their devotees to achieve the goal of rebirth in the "Pure Land" or paradise.