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Gilt-bronze Standing Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva

금동관음보살입상 ( 金銅觀音菩薩立像 )

Heritage Search Detail
Classification National Treasure
Name of Cultural Properties Gilt-bronze Standing Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva
Quantity 1 Item
Designated Date 1968.12.19
Age Baekje
Address Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, 60-16, Itaewon-ro 55-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

The statue (height: 15.2cm) is said to have been found in Gongju, Chungcheongnam-do. The statue, which displays a style prevalent during the Baekje Period (18BC-660AD), wears a semi-circle-shaped crown adorned with floral patterns, with usnisa (a protuberance symbolizing supreme wisdom) displayed atop the crown. The square-shaped face has an unsmiling, stern look. The thin, close-fitting robe displays the curves of the body, but the lines expressing the robe wrinkles are not clear. The four strings of ornamental beads cross each other at the lower belly and cover the legs. A round, floral-patterned link is set at the belly. This type of robe adornment, which was in vogue in ancient China, is featured in many gilt-bronze Buddha statues made during the late Three-Kingdoms Period (57BC-668). This statue is thought to be an Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva image based on the kundika bottle held on the left hand and the right hand holding the end of the robe. The hexagonal pedestal on which the statue stands is carved with lotus flower patterns facing upside down. The fully blown lotus flowers with wide leaves inscribed on the bottom stone put on the pedestal carry the unique style of the Baekje Period. Many parts of the body have become rusty, but the gold color still looks splendid. The entire body suggests softness unique to Buddha statues made during the Baekje Period.