The National Treasure No. 83 is referred to the Bangasayusang, which is one leading National Treasure in Korea. It is a Gilt-Bronze Maitreya Bodhisattva statue in a half seated contemplative posture. It is popularly known as the Contemplative Bodhisattva or Gilt-Bronze Seated Maitreya. The Bangasayusang is acknowledged as one of the finest examples of Buddhist sculptures ever created and is also a masterpiece of Korean art. This National Treasure No.83 is the most costly national treasure of Korea. The Bangasayusang is insured for an estimated amount of 50 billion won.
History of National Treasure no. 83
The Bangasayusang is said to have been created in the early 7th century. Latest scholarship consensus point out that this Buddha statue is perhaps from Silla because of the drapery fold. However some consider that this was a Baekje piece. This statue is approximately 3 feet and one inch tall, and is consequently very valuable as not many large bronzes have survived from that period. The Bangasayusang is made of bronze, and was at one time plated in gold. Today this National Treasure no. 83 is displayed at the National Museum of Korea and is among the most admired exhibits there.
Features of National Treasure no. 83
Often Bangasayusang is compared to The Thinker as a result of its contemplative pose. This Korean Buddhist statue is shown as seated on a round pedestal with its right leg crossed over its left knee. The figure's right hand is shown touching its cheek while the left hand placed on the crossed leg. This contemplative posture was a popular theme of Buddhist art and the model spread from India, China and Korea later to Japan. The artists' portrayal of the drapery on the Bangasayusang is smooth and realistic giving the statue a sense of animation. The slender and lithe body of the Buddha figure indicates Baekje influences, but the sharp nose and bridge line suggests a Silla derivation.
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Even though the actual origin of this National Treasure no. 83 is yet not known, the recent art historian believes that the statue is from a Sillan caster. This is due to the Silla- style of the drapery shown over the pedestal. The statue is flawlessly proportionate and the sensuality of the draping implies that the sculptor had based this work of art on a real model.
For more updates on Korean Buddhist Sculpture, visit the related links provided on www.buddhistsculptures.com.
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