Gilt-bronze Standing Bhaisajyaguru Buddha

This gilt-bronze standing Bhaisajyaguru Buddha, held at the National Museum of Korea, is a small image only 29 cm tall. Its halo and pedestal are lost, but the figure itself is relatively well preserved. Bhaisajyaguru is the Buddha believed to cure the illnesses of all sentient beings, and is characteristically shown holding a medicine box in the hand. The head is covered with small snail-shell curls, above which rises a large topknot-shaped protuberance. The full face has a solemn expression without a smile, and the clear, precise lines of the eyes, nose and mouth give a sense of refined carving. The two ears are rendered long enough almost to touch the shoulders, and the neck clearly shows the three folds known as samdo. The robe covers both shoulders and is rendered with zigzag and U-shaped folds. The dignified, sturdy body appears somewhat heavy owing to the thick, hanging drapery. The right hand hangs below the waist with the thumb and middle finger touching, while the left hand holds a medicine jar. Although the pedestal is missing, a pointed tenon that once fixed the figure to it remains under each foot, and marks of holes made during casting remain on the back of the statue. The tall knot of hair and the facial expression resemble those of the Gilt-bronze Standing Bhaisajyaguru Buddha from Baengnyulsa Temple, a national treasure, suggesting that this work was made around the eighth century.

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Where it is

Region

Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Designation

Treasure · 보물