High-Resolution Photos of National Treasures and Treasures Over 10m Tall Released

47 Gwaebuldo Paintings Released in High Resolution... Buddhist Paintings Created for Large-Scale Buddhist Ceremony

[Asia Economy Reporter Seomideum] The Cultural Heritage Administration's National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage is releasing high-resolution photos of forty-seven Gwaebuldo (large Buddhist banner paintings) designated as National Treasures and Treasures in the "Korean Gwaebul Gallery" menu on the "Cultural Heritage Research Knowledge Portal."

Gwaebuldo are Buddhist paintings created for use in large-scale outdoor Buddhist ceremonies such as Yeongsanjae and Cheondojae. They depict scenes of the Buddha delivering sermons on large canvases, many of which exceed 10 meters in height. Their grand size, vibrant colors, and intricate details possess unparalleled value worldwide, but their overwhelming size has made viewing difficult.

To address this challenge, high-resolution photos have been made available. These 30 to 60 million pixel images capture the delicate brushwork of Joseon Dynasty painters and the beautifully detailed patterns that were hard to see up close. Downloading is restricted. In addition to the initial release of forty-seven pieces, fifteen more will be added by 2024.

The National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage stated, "We hope that the release of high-resolution Gwaebuldo photos will provide an opportunity for people worldwide to appreciate and enjoy the beautiful artistic value of Gwaebul. We will continue to actively disclose various academic information and research materials as digital resources so that the public can easily access them."

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