Gilt-bronze Standing Bodhisattva from Seonsan-eup, Gumi (1976-2)

Excavated during construction work at Goa-myeon, Seonsan, North Gyeongsang, together with the gilt-bronze standing Buddha from Seonsan-eup, Gumi (a national treasure) and the other gilt-bronze standing bodhisattva from Seonsan-eup, Gumi (a national treasure). Many roof-tile and pottery fragments of the Three Kingdoms period have been found in the area, so it is thought to have been a temple site. The bodhisattva stands upright facing forward. It wears a flower-decorated crown with a small Buddha in a round frame at the centre. The somewhat long, square face is solemn, and the broad shoulders give a stern, rigid feeling. A necklace of elaborate jewels hangs on the long, thick neck, and strings hanging from the shoulders cross in an X at the belly. Further jewels are hung at every joint of the strings, very busily; it is notable for carrying far more ornament than is usual on Silla bodhisattvas. The right hand is lowered, lightly holding the jewels; the upper part of the left hand is broken off, but it seems to have held a water vessel and a lotus branch. The mandorla and pedestal are lost, though the tang for the mandorla remains behind the head and a tall peg for fixing into the pedestal projects below the feet. Stern and commanding, with elaborate, lavish ornament of strongly Chinese character, it is highly unusual. It is thought to have been made in the first half of the seventh century, and as a gilt-bronze bodhisattva of that time it is rare and of great value.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Suseong-gu, Daegu

Designation

National Treasure · 국보