The head of a local pharmaceutical firm has donated a rare Buddhist painting from the Goryeo Dynasty to the National Museum of Korea.

The museum, located in Yongsan, Seoul, held a ceremony on Monday expressing thanks for the donation of the “Water-Moon Avalokiteshvara” by Chairman Yoon Dong-han of Kolmar Korea, who bought the painting from a Japanese art dealer in the spring. 

The painting is presumed to have been produced in the 14th century and never been disclosed to the South Korean public before. 

Spanning 172 centimeters long and 63 centimeters wide, the painting portrays Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, who embodies the compassion of the Buddha, and his dwelling place.

There are only around 160 Buddhist paintings dating back to the Goryeo Dynasty around the world, including 46 works of the "Water-Moon Avalokiteshvara."

The museum plans to showcase the donated painting between Tuesday and November 13th.