Rock-carved Seated Bodhisattva at Okcheonam Hermitage, Seoul

The Rock-carved Seated Bodhisattva at Okcheonam Hermitage, Seoul, is a large rock-carved image over 5 metres tall. Because its entire front surface is coated with white pigment, it has commonly been called the "White Buddha of Bodogak Hall" or the "White-robed Avalokitesvara." An accurate record of this rock-carved bodhisattva is confirmed in the Yongjae chonghwa (Assorted Writings of Yongjae), written by Seong Hyeon (1439-1504). The bodhisattva's face is rendered realistically, and the hand gesture forming the mudra of preaching the Dharma is elegantly shaped; the celestial scarf draped over the shoulders and the broad diagonal sash-fold across the chest both flow smoothly downward, together making for outstanding carving. Overall it displays characteristics of late Goryeo sculpture comparable to the two Stone Bodhisattvas Seated in Half-lotus Position at Gwaneumgul Cave in Gaeseong, and it is in good condition, making it an important work for the study of Buddhist sculpture of the Goryeo period.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

Designation

Treasure · 보물