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Bodhisattva in Contemplation
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Bodhisattva in Contemplation
KOREA; Three Kingdoms Period (57 BCE–668 CE); Gilt bronze; H: 16.3 cm; Tokyo National Museum, Japan
This statue, cast in one piece during the 7th century, is believed to have been discovered at the ruins of a temple in Gongju, Korea. It depicts a Bodhisattva sitting in the relaxation posture, in the contemplative pose. The figure's right elbow rests on the knee, the fingers lightly touch the jaw. The Bodhisattva wears a jeweled crown with ribbons that hang down the arms. The Bodhisattva's long skirt with layers of folds overhangs the bench. These features are typical of the Baekje period (18 BCE-663 CE). A rectangular area on the back of the statue is embedded with gold indicating the area where the metal was introduced during casting. |
