The figure of Hyeonwang is a transformed representation of King Yeomna [King Yama], the fifth king of hell. The name “Hyeonwang” embodies the belief that King Yeomna will eventually attain enlightenment and become the Buddha known as “Bohyeonwang Yeorae.” Unlike the Ten Kings of Hell, who preside over the judgment of the deceased over a three-year period, Hyeonwang is revered as a compassionate being who rescues souls on the third day after death and aids them in achieving rebirth in the Pure Land. The ritual dedicated to Hyeonwang, known as “Hyeonwangjae,” was unique to Korea and was not practiced in China or Japan. It first appeared in ritual manuals during 16th-century Joseon. Paintings of Hyeonwang predominantly date from the 18th and 19th centuries.

At the center of the painting, Hyeonwang is shown seated on a chair draped with leopard skin. On his head is a scripture crown, symbolizing the belief, prevalent in late Joseon Korea, that reciting the Diamond Sutra could bring spiritual efficacy. As a result, King Yeomna and Hyeonwang were frequently depicted wearing scripture crowns during this era. Flanking Hyeonwang are two figures dressed in royal attire and holding scepters, identified as Daeryun Seongwang and Jeonryun Seongwang. On the table before the king lies an open book with a pair of glasses resting on it, offering a glimpse into the cultural and historical context of late Joseon society.