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National Treasure

Stone Standing Maitreya Bodhisattva of Gwanchoksa Temple, Nonsan

논산 관촉사 석조미륵보살입상 ( 論山 灌燭寺 石造彌勒菩薩立像 )

Heritage Search Detail
Classification National Treasure
Name of Cultural Properties Stone Standing Maitreya Bodhisattva of Gwanchoksa Temple, Nonsan
Quantity 1 Stutue
Designated Date 2018.04.20
Age Goryeo Period
Address Nonsan-si, Chungcheongnam-do

The Stone Standing Maitreya Bodhisattva of Gwanchoksa Temple in Nonsan was made around 968 by the monk-sculptor Hyemyeong during the reign of King Gwangjong (r. 949-975) of the Goryeo dynasty, and is the largest extant statue of its kind in Korea. It was designated as Treasure No. 218 on January 21, 1963, but was later re-designated as National Treasure No. 323 following the rediscovery of its value in relation to the religious activities of the people of Goryeo and the Korean history of Buddhist sculpture.
Since this Stone Standing Maitreya Bodhisattva expresses a radically unconventional sensibility quite unlike the sculpture of Unified Silla, which aspired toward ideal beauty, this statue is not only important in the history of Buddhism but also in the history of sculpture in Korea. In view of its uniqueness and perfectness, this statue is a worthy national treasure.