Bongseosa Mokjoamitayeoraesamjon Seated Figure, Seocheon

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1751

Category

Sculpture

Era

1619년

Designated year

2012

Location

서천군, 충청남도— 충청남도 서천군 건지산길 122 (한산면, 봉서사)

Coordinates

36.087885, 126.793220Kakao address conversion

These wooden statues of the Amitabha Triad enshrined in Bongseosa Temple, Seocheon, consist of the principal Buddha, Amitabha, with his two attendant bodhisattvas, Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta, seated on either side of him. The discovery of a written prayer inside the Buddha triad revealed that it was made in 1619. It also contains valuable information about the date and location of its production and the purpose for which it was made, thus enhancing our understanding of Korean Buddhist statues made during the mid-Joseon period. These statues are among the earliest works by Suyeon, a monk and sculptor who was active from the early to mid-17th century, showing characteristic elements of his early sculptures. The statues feature, for instance, a wide face with a short fleshy chin, a rather thick and wide nose, a short philtrum, a broad and thick chest, and a long waist, as well as a stylized expression of the folds of the robe draped from the left shoulder to cover the knees. This Amitabha Buddha triad is admired for its delightfully simple beauty combined with a solid form that charmed ordinary Buddhist worshippers of the early 17th century.

Location