'Unsullied, Like a Lotus in Mud' exhibition highlights role of women in Buddhist history

The Hoam Museum of Art, operated by the Samsung Foundation of Culture, is highlighting historical female figures and their roles and contribution to Buddhism in its latest exhibition.

Installation view of ″Unsullied, Like a Lotus in Mud″ at the Hoam Museum of Art in Yongin, Gyeonggi [HOAM MUSEUM OF ART]

YONGIN, Gyeonggi — Buddhism, during its existence for thousands of years, has a deep history that has been largely centered on male narratives. It’s not difficult to see that in most human statues at Buddhist temples or museums, Buddha tends to be depicted as a man.

The Hoam Museum of Art, operated by the Samsung Foundation of Culture, is highlighting historical female figures and their roles and contribution to Buddhism in its latest exhibition, which curator Lee Seung-hye says is an unprecedented highlight in the art world.

Titled “Unsullied, Like a Lotus in Mud,” the exhibition's name comes from the Sutta Nipata, one of the oldest Buddhist scriptures that still exist to this day. It refers to the East Asian women who were loyal and devoted to the Buddhist faith, likening them to pure lotuses that bloom despite growing from the filthy mud, which in this case, refers to patriarchal society.

″The Assembly on Vulture Peak″ (1560) [HOAM MUSEUM OF ART]

In ancient times, women were mainly depicted in two different ways in Buddhist art: as a motherly figure who tends after her children, or as sinful and impure beings if they looked young and beautiful in the piece.

The exhibition, which has some 100 works on display, revolves around how women have tried to overcome societal restraints and stereotypes. Half of the works are being shown to the Korean public for the first time.

One example is the documents showing the royal women of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) boldly practicing their faith by installing prayer halls inside the royal palaces to pray for the well-being of the royal family. Many of them also commissioned Buddhist paintings and sculptures during this time, which are on display at the exhibit.

It’s a notable record, as many Joseon scholars and most of society had rejected Buddhism at the time due to the prevalence of Confucianism.

″Welcoming Descent of Amitabha Buddha Triad″ (13th-14th c.) [HOAM MUSEUM OF ART]

There are rare cases of female artists creating Buddhist art themselves, as shown in textiles and embroidery. Though considered a stereotype now, in history, needlework was a practice that every single girl would have to learn from a young age.

There aren’t records of the names of the artists behind the embroided pieces left behind, yet every stitch symbolizes the deep devotion they had toward Buddhism, curator Lee said.

The textiles feature traces of actual hair sewn into them. Who exactly owns the hair remains unclear, but it’s assumed that the hair represented a kind of offering that allowed the owner to connect spiritually with Buddha.

“Unsullied, Like a Lotus in Mud” continues until June 16. The Hoam Museum of Art is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Mondays. Tickets are 14,000 won ($10) for adults.

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