Old Buddhist artwork on display for limited time at National Museum of Korea

The National Museum of Korea is showcasing 37 pieces of Buddhist paintings and underdrawings from the 19th to 20th century, the museum said Tuesday. They include some pieces from the collection donated by late Samsung chairman Lee Kun-hee in 2021.

A Buddhist underdrawing from the 20th century [NATIONAL MUSEUM OF KOREA]

The National Museum of Korea is showcasing 37 pieces of Buddhist paintings and underdrawings from the 19th to 20th century on the second floor of the permanent exhibition hall, the museum said Tuesday.

The works include some pieces from the collection donated by late Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-hee in 2021.

Buddhist paintings from that time kept the traditional techniques from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) but also started embracing newly-introduced Western painting styles.

The underdrawings include images that depict monk artists working on their paintings, which recognizes monks as not only religious figures but also artistic creatives. The different styles of the brushstrokes differentiate underdrawings that were simply for practice from those that were the basis for the actual end result.

The paintings are on view until July 21. The National Museum of Korea is open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and until 9 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays. No tickets are required for permanent exhibitions.

BY SHIN MIN-HEE [shin.minhee@joongang.co.kr]