Gilt-bronze Seated Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva of Seonunsa Temple, Gochang

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.279

Category

Sculpture

Era

조선시대

Designated year

1963

Location

고창군, 전북특별자치도— 전북 고창군 아산면 선운사로 250, 선운사 (삼인리)

Coordinates

35.497174, 126.578299

This is Buddha statue at the Seonunsa Temple was built during the reign of King Jinheung of Silla and rebuilt during the reign of King Gwanghaegun. It is made of bronze and gilded with gold. The statue is wearing a hempen hood and the band covering the forehead also covers the ears and comes down to the stomach. This Buddha statue takes the same form as the Gilt-bronze Seated Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva at Dosoram Hermitage of Seonunsa Temple (Treasure No. 280). It is unique because it is wearing a hempen hood. According to Buddhism, this Bodhisattva saves people from the suffering of hell. The wide plump face is lifeless with its small eyes, nose and mouth. The short neck looks bowed with three thick wrinkles called sambo (the three realms of existence where evil people go). The chest is broad, but the curves of the body are not clear because of the thick clothing. The right hand is bent to put the thumb and middle finger together. The left hand is held to the stomach with the thumb and middle finger put together. The hands are relatively realistic. The clothing is heavy and decorative. The two layers of folds on the shoulders, the band knots below them, and the vertical folds are formal. The parallel folds in the legs and horizontal hem of the bottom part of the chest garment are similar to the Buddha image carved on the pagoda of Wongaksa Temple, which was made in 1467 (the 12th year of King Sejo’s reign). Judging by the hempen hood, square plump face and formal horizontal folds, this is a Bodhisattva statue made during the early Joseon Dynasty.

Location