Apr 18, 2012
Apr 18, 2012
Apr 18, 2012
Apr 18, 2012
Apr 18, 2012
Apr 18, 2012

Standing Avalokitesvara

Standing Avalokitesvara

금동 관음보살 입상 (金銅觀音菩薩立像)

700s

Gilt-bronze

Overall: 18.5 x 6.5 x 4.5 cm (7 5/16 x 2 9/16 x 1 3/4 in.)

John L. Severance Fund 1998.80

Location

Did you know?

Created during the Unified Silla period, a high point of the spread of Buddhist teachings, this kind of miniature gilt-bronze statue was often used as a portable object of devotion by traveling Buddhist monks.

Description

This small gilt-bronze statue represents the Bodhisattva of Compassion (관음보살 in Korean), an enlightened being who helps devotees on their path. It features two prominent attributes: a water sprinkler (kundika in Sanskrit) and a miniature image of Buddha Amitābha in its jeweled crown. Its sweet and gentle smile accentuates this celestial being’s immeasurable compassion for human suffering.

See also
Collection: 
Korean Art
Department: 
Korean Art
Type of artwork: 
Sculpture
Medium: 
Gilt-bronze

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