Vairocana Buddha

KOREA; Unified Silla dynasty

The statue was cast around the 9th century. The Avatamsaka Sutra became popular during the second half of the 7th century resulting in large numbers of Vairocana statues, of which the earliest known is dated to the second half of the 8th century. Most of the Vairocana Buddha figures from this period are in the bodhyangi (wisdom fist) mudra.
The figure has a mounded usnisa, elongated earlobes, and three lines on the neck. The monastic robe covers both shoulders with layers of folds draping down the body. The head is proportionately larger. The small holes in the back of the statue are evidence of the casting method.