Gilt-bronze Standing Bodhisattva

Basic information

Designation

National Treasure No.129

Category

Sculpture

Era

통일신라시대

Designated year

1968

Location

용산구, 서울특별시— 서울특별시 용산구 서빙고로 137 (용산동6가, 국립중앙박물관)

Coordinates

37.538427, 126.965444

The statue (height: 54.5cm) displays the style and characteristics of Bodhisattva images prevalent during the Unified Silla Period (676-935). The pedestal on which the statue is supposed to stand, the crown, and the left hand are gone. The head is disproportionately large, with usnisa (a protuberance symbolizing supreme wisdom) displayed atop the head. The parts right below the eyes are noticeably longer than those above the eyes, making the entire face look rigid. The right arm holds one end of the two parts of the robe flowing diagonally down to the arms. The lower part of the robe is folded at the waist, hung over the laps, and then lowered down to the ankle. The wrinkles of the lower part of the robe are portrayed in U-shaped lines with a refined technique. Other Bodhisattva images made during the Unified Silla Period include the Stone Standing Maitreya Bodhisattva (National Treasure No. 81) of Gamsansa Temple, Gyeongju made in 719 (18th year of the reign of King Seongdeok) and another Stone Buddhas in Four Directions (Treasure No. 121) at Gulbulsa Temple Site, Gyeongju made during the mid-8th Century. Overall, the well-proportioned body looks soft, but the portrayal of the face and the body gives an impression of slight rigidity. It was presumed to have been made during the late 8th Century.

Location