Standing Buddha

KOREA; Unified Silla dynasty

The Buddha stands on a lotus pedestal that rests on a more ornately petaled lotus base incorporated onto an octagonal openwork stand. Characteristics of the status include a large rounded usnisa, extended earlobes, and the three lines on the neck. The facial features consist of simplified curves and straight lines, aiming more at an expression of dignity instead of personality. Both shoulders are covered by the monastic robe, the raised folds of which pool over the thighs and emphasize the legs in their distinctively divided fall, typical of Unified Silla style. The hands are held conventionally in the abhaya (fearlessness) and varada (wish-granting) mudras.