Gilt-bronze Seated Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva

Unknown artist

Goryeo Dynasty

Metal - Gilt-bronze

National Museum of Korea

A gilt-bronze statue depicts a seated figure with elaborate jewelry and a crown, resting on a lotus base. The figure's hands are positioned in a gesture of offering or blessing. A gilt-bronze statue depicts a seated figure with elaborate jewelry and a crown, resting on a lotus base. The figure's hands are positioned in a gesture of offering or blessing. The bodhisattva wears a trihedral jeweled crown with “metamorphosed Buddhas” carved on the front of the crown, long “jewel hair” covering both shoulders, and large round earrings. This statue displays the influence of Tibetan Buddhism, which was introduced to Goryeo via the Yuan Dynasty of China. Provenance: Gangwon-do Accession number: Bongwan11724