Botasa Geumdongbosal Seated Figure, Seoul

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1818

Category

Sculpture

Designated year

2014

Location

성북구, 서울특별시— 서울특별시 성북구 개운사길 60-46 (안암동5가, 보타사)

Coordinates

37.591089, 127.031002Kakao address conversion

The Gilt-bronze Seated Bodhisattva of Botasa Temple in Seoul portrays the bodhisattva seated in the “royal ease” posture, with the right leg folded and the other hanging down, indicating relaxation. Statues of the bodhisattva in this posture began to gain great popularity in China during the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) and in Korea between the late Goryeo and early Joseon periods. This particular bodhisattva is characterized by a feminine face with attractive plump cheeks, half-closed eyes and small lips, which, along with its comparatively large size, has led art historians to believe that it was made under the commission of the royal family of early Joseon or a powerful aristocratic family. Due to its good condition and a style that reflects the aristocratic taste of early Joseon, the statue is regarded as an important resource for the study of Korean Buddhist sculpture of the Joseon period.

Location