A detailed ink on silk drawing depicting the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha surrounded by the Ten Kings of Hell and other figures from Buddhist tradition.

This ink drawing on silk depicts the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha, known in Korea as Chijang Posal, as the central figure. Ksitigarbha is recognised for his vow to delay his own enlightenment until all beings in the hell realms are saved. The composition follows a traditional hierarchical arrangement common in Buddhist painting from the Joseon period. The central figure is seated in a meditative posture, surrounded by a retinue that includes the Ten Kings of Hell, the monk Tomyŏng, and the Three Officials who oversee the records of the deceased. The line work is precise and controlled, demonstrating the technical skill required for religious scroll painting. The figures are rendered with consistent facial features and formalised robes, which creates a sense of order and solemnity. The use of ink on silk allows for subtle variations in tone, providing depth to the drapery and the expressions of the figures without the need for heavy pigmentation. The clouds at the base of the composition provide a grounding element, separating the celestial assembly from the earthly realm. Such works were often produced for temple rituals or as votive offerings. They functioned as visual aids for practitioners to contemplate the afterlife and the compassionate nature of the Bodhisattva. The iconography is specific, with each figure holding attributes that identify their role in the judicial process of the underworld. This drawing serves as a clear example of the formalised aesthetic that governed religious art during this era, prioritising clarity of subject and adherence to established iconographic canons over individual artistic expression.