Gilt-bronze Standing Bodhisattva from Seonsan-eup, Gumi

Basic information

Designation

National Treasure No.184

Category

Sculpture

Era

삼국시대말 ~ 통일신라

Designated year

1976

Location

수성구, 대구광역시— 대구 수성구 청호로 321, 국립대구박물관 (황금동,국립대구박물관)

Coordinates

35.845859, 128.637925

This statue, excavated along with the Standing Gilt-bronze Buddha (National Treasure No. 182) and the Standing Gilt-bronze Bodhisattva (National Treasure No. 183) in Goa-myeon, Seonsan-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do province during an erosion control work, is displayed in the National Museum of Korea. This is believed to be a temple site, judging from various roofing tiles and earthenware of the Three Kingdom Period. The Standing Gilt-bronze Bodhisattva, facing the front, is crowned by the usnisa. In the middle of usnisa is carved with an image of the Buddha in a round bolder. A somewhat long and square face put on a solemn look, while the broad shoulders give it a gravy and stiff impression. The Buddha is wearing a bead necklace, which comes down from the shoulders to the belly, forming an X shape. Wearing various accessories including an elaborate design by using different beads in the connecting joints, it’s worthy of note among other Bodhisattva statues of Silla. The right hand is holding a bead ornament, while the left hand seemed to have been holding a Buddhist ritual sprinkler and lotus branches, both of which are missing. A mandorla and pedestal are also missing, while the handle of mandorla is well-maintained. Below the feet hangs a pillar, shaped point for setting up the pedestal. As a whole, it is assumed that it was made in the early 7th century, judging from its grave and dignified look as well as splendid and elaborate ornaments, which are some of the main characteristics of the Buddha statues made in ancient China. As a unique and rare style of gilt-bronze Bodhisattva, it is of great value.

Location