Damjing and Paper

Human civilization reached a turning point in year 105 when China developed an early form of paper from tree bark and hemp fibers. The invention of paper fueled the spread of new cultures and civilizations, and paper-making techniques were transferred to other parts of the globe, including the Korean Peninsula, the closest neighbor to China.

Although no record exists to indicate who, when, and how the paper-making secret was introduced to Korea, it is deduced, based on the record indicating that Baekje sent over some books to Japan in 285, that Koreans learned how to make paper from China while importing Chinese books sometime in the second or third century, the early years of the Three Kingdom era. There is also a record that suggests the paper produced in Shilla was deemed precious in China and Japan, implying the paper-making technology in the Three Kingdom era had reached impressive levels. Unlike the Chinese method of grinding fibers to produce paper, the Three Kingdoms pounded fibers to make the paper surface even. And Damjing was the one who played an instrumental part in putting the Three Kingdom paper on the map.

Not much is known about the early years of Damjing’s life. Damjing, a Buddhist monk and painter of Goguryeo, was born in 579 and went to Japan via Baekje in 610 to study and practice Buddhist asceticism, and teach Buddhist tenets. He also played a vital role in introducing coloring methods and how to make ink sticks and paper. According to an ancient historical book on Japan, Damjing was an expert in the Five Scriptures of Buddha and an exceptional painter. He reportedly taught the Japanese how to make paper and ink sticks, and introduced the ink stone and millstone.

Just as today’s Japanese go wild over Korean pop culture, the Japanese of some 1,400 years ago were fascinated by Goguryeo culture. To this day Damjing is revered in Japan as the deliverer of paper and ink stick.

Damjing’s Paintings in Japan’s Horyu-ji Buddhist Temple

Also applauded as a talented painter, Damjing left behind several works of art, which impress art lovers even today. The most illustrative piece among his works can be found on the walls of the main chapel at Horyu-ji Buddhist Temple in Japan, the country’s oldest surviving wooden structure. The delicate lines and vivid colors of the mural show the relentless pursuit of nirvana by Buddha and Buddhist saints, conveying the excitement and ecstasy of searching for truth and enlightenment.

Unfortunately, the original mural has been kept in storage since it was badly damaged in a 1949 fire. The one you see today is a replica drawn by famed Japanese painters. Nonetheless, Damjing’s mural at Horyu-ji is counted among Asia’s three greatest artworks together with Seokgulam in Gyeongju, Korea, and Yungang Grottos in China.

The blossoming of Asuka culture in Japan, the first Buddhist culture in the country, is attributed to Damjing. He was invited into the home of a Japanese prince and the mural was painted when Damjing was staying at Horyu-ji near the prince’s residence. Horyu-ji was built when the prince’s father became ill in 587 to wish for his fast recovery. The Buddhist temple is considered the epitome of Baekje spirit, because the prince had called on the best architects from Baekje to complete it.

In 1989 another of Damjing’s paintings was uncovered for the first time. His splendid painting of the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy was discovered underneath the top layer of painting on the mural of five-story pagoda at Horyu-ji, again showcasing his immeasurable talent. Damjing was a true hallyu talent, who started the Korean cultural wave in Japan in the seventh century.