Journal of Korean Art & Archaeology 2020, Vol.14 pp.73-88
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Buddhist paintings from Korea's Goryeo dynasty (918-1392) are celebrated for their artistic and historical value. These artworks provide insights into the clothing trends of the era, particularly through depictions of the bodhisattva Water-moon Avalokitesvara, known for intricate textile patterns. While studies have focused on the art historical aspects of these paintings, this research examines the types of textiles and patterns, comparing them with contemporary Chinese and Korean examples. Patterns on Avalokitesvara's garments include wave, lattice, hexagon, and pomegranate motifs. The study also delves into the weaving techniques of Goryeo textiles, like geum (compound weave silk) and ra (complex gauze silk), to reproduce key clothing elements. The findings highlight the realism of these paintings, reflecting the sophisticated textiles of the Goryeo with an emphasis on religious devotion.