Okcheonam Maaebosal Seated Figure, Seoul

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1820

Category

Sculpture

Era

고려시대

Designated year

2014

Location

서대문구, 서울특별시— 서울특별시 서대문구 홍지문길 1-38 (홍은동, 옥천암) / (지번)서울 서대문구 홍은동 8

Coordinates

37.596998, 126.953554

The Rock-carved Seated Bodhisattva of Okcheonam Hermitage in Seoul is a large Buddhist image (over five meters tall) coated with white shell pigment, which has earned it such nicknames as the “White Buddha of Bodogak Hall” or “White-clad Avalokitesvara.” One of the oldest records of the image can be found in Yongjae chonghwa (A Collection of Writings by Yongjae) written by Seong Hyeon (1439-1504). The image is a realistic depiction of the characteristic features of a bodhisattva, including the graceful lines of the hands displaying the dharmacakra mudra and the heavenly robe draped across both shoulders and falling to the chest where it forms X-shaped folds. It nicely preserves the typical features of Buddhist sculpture of late Goryeo, making it a good source of knowledge on Korean Buddhist sculpture of that period.

Location