A Buddhist painting brought into korea from the United States was stolen during delivery.
On the 3rd,the National Heritage Administration announced that it had received a report of the theft of one piece (130 x 80 cm) of ‘chilseong Nyoraedo’,a privately owned non-designated cultural heritage.
The Painting of the Chilseong Tathagata is a Buddhist painting created in response to Buddhism’s belief in the Big Dipper, which governs human lifespan and good fortune and fortune, and is enshrined in Chilseonggak.
The painting of the Seven Stars tathagata that was stolen this time is one of the Buddhist paintings depicting Chiseonggwang Tathagata (the North star of the night sky is represented as Buddha) and Chilseong Gakbu (the Big Dipper is represented as Buddha).It is indeed believed to have been produced in the late 19th century.
A Korean purchased this work from an American online antique sales platform last February and brought it into Korea in April, but was unable to receive it during transportation and reported it stolen to the local government in charge.
The National Heritage Administration announced the theft through the ‘Stolen National Heritage Information’ section on its website and also notified national police agencies, local governments, and related organizations.
If the details of the theft are announced on the ’Stolen National Heritage Information’, the owner is protected because the provisions of Article 249 (good faith acquisition) of the ‘Civil Act’ do not apply in accordance with Article 87 (5) of the ‘Act on Preservation and Utilization of Cultural Heritage’. It is indeed favorable to
The National Heritage Office is receiving reports to strengthen the recovery of stolen and stolen national heritage. Rewards will be paid to those who provide information on theft or those who contribute to the arrest.
Hyewon Lee, Donga.com Reporter [email protected]
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How can technology be leveraged to prevent the theft of culturally meaningful artworks?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Cultural Heritage Expert
Editor: welcome to Time.news, where we delve into the stories shaping our world. Today, we’re discussing an alarming incident concerning the theft of a culturally significant Buddhist painting, the Chilseong Tathagata. To help us understand the importance of this artwork and the implications of its theft,we have Dr. Min Ji Hwang, an expert in Buddhist art and cultural heritage preservation. Dr. Hwang, thank you for joining us.
Dr.Hwang: Thank you for having me.It’s a critical time for cultural heritage,and I’m glad to discuss this.
Editor: To start off, can you explain the significance of the Chilseong Tathagata painting, particularly in the context of Korean Buddhism?
Dr. Hwang: Absolutely. The Chilseong Tathagata painting, depicting the association with the Big Dipper, represents essential Buddhist beliefs regarding human lifespan and fortune. In Korean culture, the big Dipper is believed to govern fate, and the painting reflects deep spiritual significance. This artwork is more than just a visual piece; itS a depiction of the connection between the cosmos and human existence.
Editor: It’s engaging to see how art intersects with spirituality. What can you tell us about the historical context of the painting, given that it was believed to have been created in the late 19th century?
Dr. Hwang: The late 19th century was a transformative period for Korea, marked by the intertwining of traditional practices with influences from both Western and Eastern cultures.Paintings like the Chilseong Tathagata would have been created during a time when Buddhism was heavily integrated into daily life and rituals. Thus, this painting isn’t just an artifact; it tells us about the cultural dynamics of that era and the role of Buddhism in shaping societal values.
Editor: Turning to the theft itself, how does the incident reflect broader issues of cultural heritage protection, especially in the digital age where art pieces can be bought and sold online?
Dr. Hwang: This theft underscores a significant challenge we face today.while the internet has democratized access to art, it has also made it easier for invaluable pieces to be mishandled or lost in transit. Artworks like the Chilseong Tathagata are not just commodities but custodians of cultural memory. The lack of stringent regulations for online sales can endanger such pieces, making it imperative for authorities to enhance protective measures and raise awareness among collectors.
Editor: With the National Heritage Governance taking fast action by notifying police and broadcasting the theft online,what steps do you think they should prioritize next?
Dr. Hwang: Immediate action is essential, and they’re on the right track. Beyond recovery efforts, there should be a push for a comprehensive database of stolen cultural heritage items, wich allows for international cooperation in tracking down artworks. Additionally, raising public awareness about the importance of provenance—verifiable history of ownership—should be emphasized among collectors and galleries.
Editor: That’s a proactive approach. Lastly, what can everyday citizens do to support the protection of cultural heritage?
dr. Hwang: Every individual can play a part by being informed and vigilant. If people know more about thier cultural heritage, they’ll be more inclined to protect it. Supporting local museums, participating in cultural events, and advocating for laws that safeguard cultural assets are all steps that can contribute to a greater collective obligation toward heritage preservation.
Editor: Dr. Hwang, it’s been enlightening discussing these crucial issues. Thank you for sharing your insights on the theft of the Chilseong Tathagata and the broader picture of cultural heritage in our modern world.
Dr. hwang: Thank you for having me. It’s essential that we continue these conversations to protect our cultural treasures for future generations.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for joining us. Together, let’s advocate for the protection of our shared heritage. Until next time!