Skip Navigation

Heritage Search

National Treasure

Gilt-bronze Standing Bodhisattva

금동보살입상(1968) ( 金銅菩薩立像(1968) )

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

The statue (height: 54.5cm) displays the style and characteristics of Bodhisattva images prevalent during the Unified Silla Period (676-935). The pedestal on which the statue is supposed to stand, the crown, and the left hand are gone. The head is disproportionately large, with usnisa (a protuberance symbolizing supreme wisdom) displayed atop the head. The parts right below the eyes are noticeably longer than those above the eyes, making the entire face look rigid. The right arm holds one end of the two parts of the robe flowing diagonally down to the arms. The lower part of the robe is folded at the waist, hung over the laps, and then lowered down to the ankle. The wrinkles of the lower part of the robe are portrayed in U-shaped lines with a refined technique. Other Bodhisattva images made during the Unified Silla Period include the Stone Standing Maitreya Bodhisattva (National Treasure No. 81) of Gamsansa Temple, Gyeongju made in 719 (18th year of the reign of King Seongdeok) and another Stone Buddhas in Four Directions (Treasure No. 121) at Gulbulsa Temple Site, Gyeongju made during the mid-8th Century. Overall, the well-proportioned body looks soft, but the portrayal of the face and the body gives an impression of slight rigidity. It was presumed to have been made during the late 8th Century.