Standing Buddha

KOREA; Unified Silla dynasty

The statue is a rare example of Korean bronze casting from the start of the 8th century. Ringleted hair that is almost cap-like rises to a rounded usnisa. The line of the raised eyebrows continues downward to define the straight nose. The earlobes are extended on either side of the neck. The Buddha wears a monastic robe covering both shoulders that descends the body in broadening folds, and ripples inwards to the skirt below. The Buddha stands on a double lotus pedestal with his right hand raised in abhaya (fearlessness) mudra, and the cupped left hand hangs down in varada (wish-granting) mudra.