Seated Amitabha Buddha Triad of Muwisa Temple, Gangjin

This is the Seated Amitabha Buddha Triad enshrined on the altar of Geungnakbojeon Hall. At the centre is the Amitabha Buddha, with the Gwaneum Bodhisattva placed to the left and the Jijang Bodhisattva to the right. The principal Buddha sits in the full lotus position on a lotus pedestal, with a sturdy build and broad knees that give the figure a stable body proportion. It has a round face, a chest rendered as if slightly sunken, and wears robes covering both shoulders. This Amitabha Buddha is posed leaning slightly forward. The Gwaneum Bodhisattva, carved in almost the same style as the Amitabha Buddha, has its left leg lowered off the pedestal. It wears an ornate crown on its head, a simply shaped chest ornament, and curled locks of hair flowing down over both shoulders. Its two hands are joined in front, supporting a water bottle. The Jijang Bodhisattva to the right of the Amitabha Buddha has a relatively small, oval face and wears a hood on its head. It holds a staff in its right hand and lowers its right leg off the pedestal. The drapery folds falling in front of the Jijang and Gwaneum Bodhisattvas are rendered on the pedestals below, separate from the figures themselves. This triad is highly significant as a transitional work that carries on the style of the late Goryeo period while transforming into the characteristics of early Joseon Buddhist statues, and it is equally important as a formative work that became the origin of mid-Joseon Buddhist statues. Moreover, despite its imposing height of about 150 cm, it is in an excellent state of preservation, making it valuable material for the study of early Joseon Buddhist sculpture.

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Where it is

Region

Gangjin, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

Treasure · 보물