Taean: Buddha Triad

SOUTH KOREA, South Chungcheong, Taean; Baekje period

These carvings are located on the summit of Baekhwasan in an area that was originally the main traffic route between Baekje and China. Baekhwasan refers to Potalaka Mountain in Korean. This mountain was regarded as the earliest place dedicated to Avalokitesvara. The Buddha Triad is characteristic of the Northern Qi dynasty (550–577) of China and is assumed to date from the beginning of the 7th century. It was listed as Treasure No. 432 in 1966.
The central figure is thought to be a crowned Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, who holds a jewel and stands on an inverted lotus pedestal. Robed Buddhas stand on each side. The figure on the left is assumed to be Amitabha, with the right and left hands forming a variation of the abhaya (fearlessness) and varada (wish-granting) mudras respectively. The Medicine Buddha is assumed to be on the right, holding a medicine pot. A triad like this, with a smaller, lesser ranking middle figure, is a rare sight.