神聖奉獻: 韓國佛教傑作

In September 2019, we were privileged to welcome an 800-year-old guest to Washington, DC from Seoul. A 13th-century gilt wood sculpture of Gwaneum, the bodhisattva of compassion, and the most popular deity in Korean Buddhism came to our gallery from the National Museum of Korea (국립중앙박물관).

The specific depiction of Gwaneum featured in “Sacred Dedication” was made at a time of great anxiety when Korea was threatened by its northern neighbors, 蒙古人. In Buddhist thought, it’s believed the bodhisattva of compassion can hear the cries of sentient beings and assist all those who call upon him. Protective deities like Gwaneum may have offered hope for divine defense as well as support with life’s everyday challenges. Though the golden sculpture can’t receive visitors now, we hope his positive effects are being felt by all in this challenging time for our global community.

Learn more about the sculpture and exhibition and find additional resources on our site:
https://asia.si.edu/exhibition/sacred-dedication-a-korean-buddhist-masterpiece/

#Smithsonian #FreerSackler #NationalMuseumOfKorea #AsianArt #KoreanArt #KoreanBuddhism #Gwaneum #Compassion

This video is produced and provided by the National Museum of Korea.