An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
The Fourth King of Helllate 1300s
Originally part of a set of ten, this hanging scroll depicts the Fourth King of Hell. Accompanied by his secretary, the king with bulging eyes is seated at the center, overseeing how well his verdict is being conducted. On the bottom, sinners are suffering in a giant cauldron filled with boiling water, constantly pierced by a guard’s burning spears. Ready-made Buddhist paintings from China, created in professional workshops in the port city of Ningbo, are believed to be prototypes for this Korean scroll’s grotesque imagery.
As the concept of salvation became increasingly more emphasized in Buddhist schools in medieval East Asia, the gruesome depiction of various hells was given an important role: to promote Buddhist ethics. In the Buddhist infernal otherworld, the Ten Kings of Hell serve as judges of the deceased to determine their fates, including the type and severity of punishment.
Hanging scroll; ink, color, and gold ink on silk
Image: 63 x 45.3 cm (24 13/16 x 17 13/16 in.); Overall: 136.2 x 58.9 cm (53 5/8 x 23 3/16 in.)
Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund and museum purchase from various donors by exchange and Partial Gift of The Honorable Joseph P. Carroll and Roberta Carroll, M.D.
In a dimly lit gallery, where the walls seem to whisper ancient secrets, this hanging scroll stretches its fabric, revealing tales lost in time. Here, amidst the silence, we find a glimpse into the eerie world of the Fourth King of Hell. It was once part of a larger ensemble, a set of ten that spoke of judgment and consequence. Yet, this particular piece draws us in, inviting us to linger in its unsettling presence.
At the center of the scroll sits the king, a figure of immense authority, his bulging eyes surveying the chaos that unruly souls have stirred. Beside him, his secretary remains poised, ready to record the fates that unfold beneath their watchful gaze. They embody both power and torment—a chilling reminder of the weight of judgment.
Beneath them, a horrific tableau comes to life. Sinners writhe in misery, trapped in a cauldron of boiling water, their faces twisted with despair. The scalding liquid bubbles ominously, while a guard stands at the edge, brandishing burning spears, ready to strike. It is a sight that resonates with deep unease, compelling us to confront our own shadows.
This haunting image traces its roots back to China, crafted within the bustling workshops of Ningbo, where skilled artisans spun tales not just of beauty, but of moral consequence. These ready-made paintings, with their grotesque imagery, served as prototypes, etched in the minds of those who sought to mirror the fate of the condemned.
As you stand before this scroll, the weight of its history settles upon you. It encourages reflection on our choices, our actions, and the paths we tread. In its vivid portrayal, we find not just art, but a narrative—a narrative that challenges us to ponder the delicate balance between punishment and redemption.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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