Gilt-bronze Standing Avalokitesvara

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.927

Category

Sculpture

Era

통일신라시대 8세기

Designated year

1987

Location

용산구, 서울특별시— 서울 용산구 이태원로55길 60-16, 삼성미술관 리움 (한남동)

Coordinates

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This is a statue of Avalokitesvara, a bodhisattva symbolizing the mercy of the Buddha. People are said to be able to attain salvation by just memorizing the name of this bodhisattva. He is wearing a high jewel crown, with one small Buddha statue, which is a symbol of Avalokitesvara, carved on it. He is also holding a kundika, a kind of ritual bottle, in his left hand. The face is impaired in part, but the well-developed body and smile on the face create a calm, merciful atmosphere. The top of his body is bare, but the slim waist makes the chest look more voluptuous. The ornaments on the necklace and a bead decoration from shoulder to feet make the statue more splendid. The drapes and pleats of the robe add a feeling of movement as well. The most specific formative characteristic of this statue is the posture – the waist is a bit twisted, which deepens the voluptuous and sensual figure, showing the typical characteristics of Buddha statues made in the Unified Silla Period. The magnificent ornaments and posture express the essence of the Buddha sculpture to the hilt.