LACMA returns Korean Buddhist paintings looted after Korean War

The Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art has returned seven Buddhist artworks that American soldiers are thought to have taken after the Korean War. These include the Yeongsanhoesangdo (Preaching Shakyamuni Buddha) and six portraits of the Siwangdo (Kings of Hell), originally from Korean temples like Yeombulan Hermitage and Sinheung Temple in Sokcho, Gangwon Province. The most notable piece, Jijang Siwangdo (Ksitigarbha and the Kings of Hell), was acquired by LACMA in March 1994 from the Kang Collection, which had bought it in 1990 from Gene Schwanke, who got it in 1988. Records show the other portraits were still at Sinheungsa in early 1954 but were gone by October. LACMA intends to collaborate with the Jogye Order for educational and research initiatives.