Gilt-bronze Seated Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva of Daeseungsa Temple, Mungyeong

This bodhisattva statue is enshrined, under a glass case, at Daeseungsa Temple, founded in the 9th year of King Jinpyeong (587). Based on the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva's votive text found inside the statue, it is presumed to have been made in the late 15th century, before the statue was regilded in the 11th year of King Jungjong of Joseon (1516). The head bears an ornate crown, and the hair falling over both ears is divided into several strands covering the shoulders. The ears are slightly short, and the neck clearly bears three carved lines, known as samdo. The robe, wrapping both shoulders, drapes over the arms and covers the knees, and the entire body is adorned with elaborate beaded ornaments. The right hand is raised to shoulder height with thumb and middle finger touching and the palm facing outward, while the left hand is raised level with the elbow with thumb and middle finger touching and the palm facing upward. The beaded ornamentation on the chest, abdomen and knees closely resembles that of the Dry-lacquer Seated Bodhisattva of Jangyuksa Temple (a treasure) in Yeongdeok, Gyeongsangbuk-do, but differs in that the elaborate ornamentation on the shoulders and back is here hidden beneath the robe. In particular, the top edge of the skirt, just above the sash knot, sits at the middle of the elongated upper body, making the statue appear almost divided in two — a feature unique to this bodhisattva.

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Where it is

Region

Mungyeong, Gyeongbuk

Designation

Treasure · 보물