Muwisa Temple Ultimate Bliss Hall: Amitabha Buddha Triad

SOUTH KOREA, South Jeolla, Gangjin; Joseon dynasty

Amitabha Buddha is seated in full lotus position flanked by Bodhisattvas wearing necklaces at the center of this 15th century triad. The curled hair of the Buddha merges with the usnisa with hardly any gradation, but there is a gilded crest jewel where it begins and a second jewel at the top. The Buddha’s raised right hand and lowered left hand form the middle grade of the lowest class mudra. Sitting on the right is Avalokitesvara, wearing a flower-shaped crown. Avalokitesvara’s hands are in dhyana (meditation) mudra and cups the vase that is this Bodhisattva’s attribute. Ksitigarbha is on the left of the central figure, wearing a headdress and carrying a monk’s staff in his right hand.