Standing Buddha

KOREA; Unified Silla dynasty

The statue was cast whole, and the finer details were made later. The head is out of proportion to the much smaller body. The figure stands on a round platform and wears a monastic robe that covers both shoulders. The material falls loosely over the arms but otherwise clings to the body, the raised folds adapting themselves to its shape. This modeling is especially apparent where the folds divide at the thighs and ripple separately down the legs in a style adopted from gilt bronze statues of the Unified Silla dynasty. The left hand is open in varada (wish-granting) mudra, while the right hand is held up with the forefinger raised.