Gamno-do is a Buddhist painting that portrays a scene in which members of the monastic sangha gather to perform a nectar ritual and guide the lost souls of sentient beings who have no descendants to pray for them, such as hungry ghosts, to the Western Pure Land.

The gamno-do at Yongju-sa Temple in Hwaseong, created in 1790 (the 14th year of Joseon King Jeongjo’s reign), was originally enshrined in the main Buddha Hall of Yongjusa Temple. It was unfortunately stolen in 1984 but later returned to its rightful home in 2018.

The painting showcases the Seven Buddhas, Inrowang Bodhisattva (Bodhisattva who guides the souls of the deceased to the Western Paradise), Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva robed in white and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva in the upper middle section, with Maudgalyayana standing with palms together between Inrowang Bodhisattva and the Seven Buddhas. The lower middle part of the painting features a table with various offerings, which is surrounded by a large group of hungry ghosts to whom the nectar ritual is dedicated. The hungry ghosts are flanked by trees to the left and right, marking the scenes describing the sufferings of the desire realm.

*May find these buddhism Treasures, from 'Mend the Old and Return to the World: Restored Holy Treasures' exhibition of Central Buddhist Museum