법화경변상도 고려|Illustrated manuscript of the Lotus Sutra (Miaofa lianhua jing), Volume 2

Created in 1340, this religious artwork takes the form of an accordion-fold book, a format characteristic of Korean folding books from the period. The support consists of mulberry paper that has been dyed indigo, providing a deep blue background for the imagery. Artists applied gold and silver directly onto this prepared surface to render depictions of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas.

This technique of using precious metals against a dark, monochromatic ground creates a striking visual contrast, emphasizing the divine nature of the subjects within the Lotus Sutra manuscript. The specific combination of indigo-dyed paper with gold and silver pigment defines the object's material composition and stylistic approach.

The Illustrated Manuscript of the Lotus Sutra (Miaofa lianhua jing), Volume 2 dates to 1340 and was produced during the Goryeo dynasty in Korea. Its creator is unknown, and the work takes the form of an accordion‑fold book executed in gold and silver on indigo‑dyed mulberry paper. The manuscript entered the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is catalogued as accession 1994.207 and remains on view as part of the museum’s holdings of Korean religious art.

This accordion-fold manuscript, an illustrated volume of the Lotus Sutra, dates to Korea around 1340. Crafted from indigo-dyed mulberry paper, its pages shimmer with intricate designs rendered in gold and silver. The work features numerous small depictions of Buddhas and bodhisattvas, arranged in orderly rows, engaged in acts of teaching and contemplation. This particular volume is the second in the series.