A delegation from the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and staff of the University of Chicago's Smart Museum of Art pose after finalizing an agreement on Nov. 19 to repatriate "Sinjungdo," which was stolen from a Korean temple 35 years ago. Courtesy of Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism

A long-lost Buddhist painting is finally making its way back home from the U.S., 35 years after it was stolen from a temple in Korea.

On Nov. 19 (local time), a delegation from the Jogye Order, Korea's largest Buddhist sect, finalized an agreement with the Smart Museum of Art at the University of Chicago to repatriate "Sinjungdo," a sacred painting depicting Buddhism's divine guardians.

The artwork is part of a trio of masterpieces created in 1767 by Ven. Hyejam, alongside "Amitabha Buddha Sermon Painting" and "Three Bodhisattvas Painting." Originally enshrined at Bomun Temple in Yecheon, North Gyeongsang Province, all three pieces were stolen on June 5, 1989.

"Sinjungdo," created in 1767 by Ven. Hyejam, was originally enshrined at Bomun Temple in Yecheon, North Gyeongsang Province, before being stolen in 1989. Courtesy of Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism

While the other two were successfully restituted in 2014, the whereabouts of "Sinjungdo" remained a mystery until June 2023, when the Korea Heritage Service and the Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation uncovered its presence in Chicago during a survey of Korean cultural assets in the U.S.

Two months later, the Jogye Order formally requested the painting's return, providing evidence of its stolen origin. After review, the Smart Museum of Art decided to deaccession the piece in accordance with the International Council of Museums' Code of Ethics for Museums, opting to return it voluntarily and unconditionally.

"We deeply respect and thank the University of Chicago and the Smart Museum of Art for recognizing the painting's history of theft and its religious significance and for making the pivotal decision to return it," the Jogye Order said in a statement.

The journey of "Sinjungdo" home marks the final chapter in this cultural restitution saga, reuniting all three stolen paintings at their birthplace after 35 years.

"This repatriation carries immense spiritual and cultural significance, as it restores Bomun Temple to its original state," it added.