Standing Bodhisattva

KOREA; Three Kingdoms Period

This Bodhisattva image stylistically resembles Baekje period (18 BCE–663 CE) sculptures. The slim Bodhisattva stands on an inverted lotus pedestal. A crown with sidepieces surrounds a high chignon, and braids fall to the figure’s shoulders. A necklace hangs from the shoulders and drops to a central pendant. Attached to the pendant’s sides is a long bead ornament that crosses at a flowered medallion to reach two additional medallions below knee level. The statue is similarly styled in the back. A flowing stole encircles the arms before falling below the pedestal. Mortise holes at the back of the pedestal indicate it was once part of a “three honored ones under one mandorla” triad.