US Metropolitan Museum, the director of the United States.
Yi Ma-ji was one of the few known female painters of the Joseon Dynasty. She was the daughter of the painter Yi Jing and continued her family's tradition of painting. Although very little is known about her personal life, she was well known for her Buddhist painting Gwaneumdo (Guan Yin). Her work is important because it shows that women also contributed to Korean art, even though they were rarely mentioned in historical records.
Yi Ma-ji's Gwaneumdo depicts Gwaneum (Guanyin or Avalokiteshvara), the Bodhisattva of Compassion in Buddhism. Gwaneum is believed to listen to the prayers of people, protect those in danger, and help anyone who is suffering and Bring comfort to those in need. Because of these beliefs paintings of Gwaneum were placed in Buddhist temples and homes for worship, prayer, and meditation where people expressed their faith. The purpose of the painting was not only to create a beautiful image but also to inspire devotion and trust and offer spiritual comfort.
Her painting follows the long tradition of Suwol Gwaneumdo (Water-Moon Avalokiteshvara) one of the most popular subjects in Korean Buddhist art. This tradition is based on the Hwaeomgyeong (Avatamsaka Sutra). According to the scripture, the young pilgrim Seonjae-dongja (Sudhana)travels in search of wisdom by learning from many teachers. One of these teachers is Gwaneum Bodhisattva, who welcomes him and guides him toward enlightenment. This meeting became the inspiration for Water-Moon Avalokiteshvara paintings.
The Water-Moon Avalokiteshvara image first appeared in Dunhuang, China and later became especially popular during the Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392). Most surviving Goryeo paintings of Gwaneum belong to this type. In these paintings, Gwaneum is usually shown sitting peacefully on a rocky cliff beside the sea or a stream, while Seonjae-dongja stands below looking up with respect and seeking spiritual guidance. The peaceful landscape creates a calm and sacred atmosphere.
The name WaterMoon highlights the compassion of Gwaneum. Just as the reflection of the moon spreads across the surface of water, Gwaneum's kindness and Compassion are believed to reach all living beings. This symbolism expresses the Buddhist belief that compassion is endless and known to everyone.
One of the most remarkable features of this style is its rich decoration. Gwaneum is often shown wearing a thin, transparent silk attire covered with delicate gold floral and leaf and flower patterns. The fine details, graceful lines, and elegant clothing reflect the highly developed weaving techniques and luxurious artistic culture of the Goryeo period. Compared with similar Buddhist paintings from China and Japan, Korean Water-Moon Avalokiteshvara paintings are especially admired for their detailed ornamentation and refined craftsmanship.
Although only limited information about Yi Ma-ji has survived, her Gwaneumdo reflects the beauty and spiritual meaning of Korean Buddhist painting. Through careful brushwork, balanced composition, and the peaceful image of Gwaneum, the painting expresses compassion, wisdom, and hope.
Today, Yi Ma-ji is remembered as one of the few recorded female painters of the Joseon Dynasty, and her work remains an important example of Korea's Buddhist artistic heritage.
I interpret Yi Ma-ji’s Gwaneumdo as a painting that represents compassion, protection, wisdom, and spiritual hope. Gwaneum, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, is believed to listen to the suffering and prayers of people, so the peaceful image would have provided comfort and encouraged devotion among viewers.
The Water-Moon Avalokiteshvara tradition is especially meaningful because the moon’s reflection on water symbolizes how Gwaneum’s compassion reaches all living beings. The calm landscape and serene presence of Gwaneum create an atmosphere of peace and meditation. The connection with Seonjae-dongja also represents the search for wisdom and spiritual enlightenment.
The delicate clothing, detailed gold decoration, graceful lines, and careful brushwork demonstrate the refinement of Korean Buddhist painting. These details make Gwaneum appear both beautiful and spiritually powerful.
I also think the painting is significant because Yi Ma-ji was one of the few recorded female painters of the Joseon Dynasty. Her work therefore represents not only Korean Buddhist artistic traditions but also the contribution of women to Korean art, despite their limited representation in historical records.
Overall, the painting expresses compassion, faith, and the hope for spiritual guidance. Gwaneum’s peaceful presence reminds viewers that suffering can be met with kindness and that the search for wisdom and enlightenment is open to everyone.
