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Amitabha Triad

금동아미타여래삼존좌상 [金銅阿彌陀如來三尊坐像]

1400s

Korea, Joseon dynasty

(1392–1910)
Medium
bronze with traces of gilding
Measurements
Overall: 40.6 x 16.5 x 54.6 cm (16 x 6 1/2 x 21 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Worcester R. Warner Collection 1918.501
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

The small scale suggests that this rare bronze triad might have been displayed in a personal shrine rather than a large worship hall.

Description

This bronze triad depicts Amitabha, the Buddha of Western Paradise, at the center, flanked by two bodhisattvas: Ksitigarbha on his left and Avalokiteśvara on his right. Ksitigarbha is believed to rescue those tormented beings from purgatory, while Avalokiteśvara offers relief to those suffering in the mortal realm.

An exceptionally rare statue from the 1400s, this piece entered the CMA’s collection in 1918. It was discovered in Korea in 1916 by Langdon Warner (1881–1955), who was serving as the CMA’s field agent. In a letter dated December 4, 1916, Warner expressed not only his excitement upon finding the triad in a local pawn shop but also his satisfaction at purchasing it at a significantly reduced price.
A gilt bronze sculpture depicts Amitabha seated between two figures on lotus pedestals. Amitabha has hair with circular curls and his right hand raised, fingers curving toward his thumb. To our left, a shaven figure holds a small sphere. To our right, a figure wears a tall headdress. Both side figures have one leg dangling off their pedestals. Flakes of gilding have worn away to reveal the dark brown bronze underneath.

Amitabha Triad

1400s

Korea, Joseon dynasty (1392–1910)

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