Dry-lacquered Bodhisattva of Girimsa Temple, Gyeongju

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.415

Category

Sculpture

Era

조선 연산군 7년(1501)

Designated year

1965

Location

경주시, 경상북도— 경상북도 경주시 기림로 437-17(문무대왕면, 기림사)

Coordinates

35.839118, 129.397146

This dry-lacquered Bodhisattva dating from the Joseon Dynasty is located at Girimsa Temple in Wolseong-gun, Yangbuk-myeon, Gyeongsangbuk-do. Dry-lacquered statues of Bodhisattvas were made by plastering clay over a linen-covered wooden frame, and then removing the inner contents. This Buddha statue is extremely valuable as only a few such statues remain. Its head bears a separately-made crown engraved with brilliant arabesque patterns; and its face is large and plump, with elegantly-carved eyes, nose and mouth that lend it a distinguished appearance. Earrings hang from its short ears, and the neck is short. A robe is draped over both shoulders, and it is wearing a necklace with three strands of decorations. The unique knot on the chest is a good example of features of wooden Buddha statues of the Joseon Dynasty. It sits in a cross-legged position, with the left hand resting on the pedestal and the legs hanging below it. Judging from its position it is clearly an Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. The face and body are rather plump, while the hands and feet are comparably small, giving it an unbalanced appearance. The pedestal contains an inscription which states that the statue was made in 1501 (Hongchi Year, the 7th year of the reign of King Yeonsangun of the Joseon Dynasty). The fact that the year of its erection is known, combined with its rarity as a dry-lacquered Bodhisattva, makes it a very valuable relic.

Location