| Antique
Korean Bronze Buddha Statue
Shakyamuni
Vitarka and Varada Mudra
Paekche Kingdom late 7th century CE
H
15.5" (39cm.), W 6" (15cm.), D 6" (15cm.)
Condition: damage to fingers and chest
A supremely
rare example of early Buddhist sculpture in Korea, the faith having arrived from
China in the fourth century. Very few such sculptures remain in Korea or anywhere
else, due to the ravages of centuries of unending warfare. This
bronze, with its childlike form and benevolent grace, strongly evokes the style
of the few known extant works from the seventh century. Proportions are specific
to the period, with the head rather large and the whole form balanced by the mass
and height of the base. As well, the excellent heavy casting has bloomed a patina
of great age, with mottled mineral deposits in green and dark umber and excrescenses
of minerals and rust erupting on the surface and in the crevices, factors which
further identify this statue as an authentic archaic Paekche bronze. | 
Private Collection | Characteristics
unique to Paekche sculpture are clearly evident in this work. Paekche Buddhas
are characterized by warm, human attributes. The small usnisa, the stately but
relaxed body, the voluminous form beneath the thick robe, the straight falling
hems of the robe, and the simple but refined rendering of the of the pedestal,
are all definitely local traits of Paekche. The true uniqueness of a Paekche Buddha
is in the unfathomable benevolent smile that graces its round pleasant face. That
expression, often labeled the "Paekche smile," is considered distinct, and is
present here as the essence of the expression of the Buddha. The rendering of
the drape of the garment in wide concentric folds, as well as the general arrangement
of the fabric with one end draped over a shoulder and hanging down the back accords
with the representational trend of the seventh century and is distinctly different
from that of sixth century when the style of Northern Wei predominated. The substantial
and roundly modeled inverted-lotus pedestal with pointed petal ends resembles
the Koguryo style, which also dates from the seventh century. By the eighth century,
the International style was established, garments began to cling and swell in
a tribute to the late Tang, and postures became more animated. The back of the
piece has an opening resulting from the casting process, also typical of the technology
of the time, and used for attaching a mandorla, or aureole, behind the head. |
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