Standing Bodhisattva

KOREA; Unified Silla dynasty

Silla Buddhism started to develop a graceful local style of its own after the mid-8th century as exemplified by this figure. It was listed as National Treasure No. 200 in 1979.
The rounded features of face and body characterize the statue. The hair is built into a high topknot in place of a usnisa, the earlobes are elongated, and the neck has three lines. Little jewelry is worn apart from flower-patterned arm ornaments and beaded bracelets. A long stole hangs from the shoulders and ripples to the ground on either side of the wet Cao-style skirt that clings to the legs. The elegant fingers of the hanging left hand unfold outward and the right hand is raised.