Gilt-bronze Standing Bodhisattva from Uidang-myeon, Gongju

A bodhisattva excavated in 1974 at a temple site at Songjeong-ri, Uidang-myeon, Gongju, South Chungcheong, 25 cm high, now in Gongju National Museum. It wears a three-faced crown with a small Buddha at the centre, identifying it as Avalokitesvara. The hair comes halfway down over the forehead, and braids on either side cover the ears and fall to the shoulders. The almost square face has large, open features, with a slight smile at the mouth. A long necklace hangs at the throat, and a string of jewels linked to it falls below the chest, divides in two and runs to both knees. The thin robe clings to the body, falling from the broad shoulders and crossing in an X below the belly. The scarf over the arms comes down on either side and projects over the pedestal. Its folds are deeply and vigorously carved, in contrast with the calm face. Bracelets are on both wrists; the right hand is raised to the chest, palm outward, holding a lotus bud, and the lowered left holds a precious vase. The pedestal is round, carved with eight inverted lotus petals. Only some gilding on projecting parts has worn off; the gold is excellent and the findspot certain. The composed rendering, the jewels crossing at the navel and the round lotus pedestal suggest a Baekje work of the seventh century.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Gongju, Chungnam

Designation

National Treasure · 국보