국립중앙박물관 NATIONAL MUSEUM OF KOREA

Pensive Bodhisattva

Two pensive bodhisattva statutes, both national treasures of Korea, stand side by side in this room. The bodhisattva is lost deep in thought, with the right foot lightly resting on his left knee. He bends his right arm to touch his fingers to his cheek. This representation derives from the image of Siddhartha, a prince of an Indian kingdom, who was later to become Sakyamuni, plunged in wandering thought. This pensive bodhisattva dates to the late sixth century. It is characterized by a sharp nose, well-defined eyes, lavish adornments, and restrained drapery lines.

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