Seated Hyeondeungsa Temple Bronze Ksitigarbha

The Seated Hyeondeungsa Temple Bronze Ksitigarbha wears a hood tightly bound with a wide cord and holds a precious jewel in its right hand, a form that continues Goryeo-period tradition. An inscription on the underside records the circumstances of its making: in 1790 the monks Seolhun, known as Gwanheodang, and Gyeonghwan, known as Yongbongdang, made this statue for enshrinement at Jijangam Hermitage. Seolhun and Gyeonghwan were outstanding monk-craftsmen of the late eighteenth century, skilled in both sculpture and Buddhist painting, who worked nationwide, chiefly around Seoul and Gyeonggi. Unlike typical late Joseon Buddhist statues, its body proportions are well balanced, giving a stable appearance, and its square face with full cheeks conveys a calm yet benevolent expression. In particular, the drapery falling over the left knee is folded in large, bold pleats with a vigorous zigzag hem, which together with the similarly zigzagged drapery at the right shoulder is a distinctive feature found only in this statue. The pedestal, formed of upward- and downward-opening lotus flowers joined together, is also original. With its bold, refined style and outstanding casting technique, it stands as a representative bronze Buddhist statue of the eighteenth century.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Gapyeong, Gyeonggi

Designation

Provincial Tangible Heritage · 시도유형문화유산