The Metropolitan Museum Returns Buddhist Painting Acquired During the Korean War

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has returned a 16th-century Buddhist painting to the Sinheungsa Temple in Sokcho, South Korea. Known as “The Tenth King of Hell” (1798), the ink painting on silk scroll was part of The Met’s collection since 2007 and featured in their Korean art exhibitions. This return, announced on November 18, follows The Met’s ongoing effort to investigate and repatriate items of uncertain provenance. This move comes amid increased scrutiny over looted items in the museum’s collection, with other significant returns made earlier to countries like Iraq, Italy, and Spain. The repatriated painting is part of a series depicting the Buddhist Ten Kings of Hell. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art had previously returned six scrolls from this series to the temple. The Met’s efforts reflect a broader commitment to transparency and ethical stewardship of cultural artifacts.