The Meaning of a Pensive Bodhisattva, a Being of Contemplation

The National Museum of Korea's permanent exhibition “The Room of Quiet Contemplation” has been created for the display of two pensive bodhisattva statues, each a designated National Treasure.
 

▲ installation view of "Room of Quiet Contemplation". Photo by Rachel Bae

They were respectively produced in the late sixth and early seventh century, during the Three Kingdoms period. Pass the dark and quiet corridor, visitors can see the pensive bodhisattvas lost in contemplation with the right leg crossed over the left and the fingers of the right hand slightly touching the cheek. Formed using highly advanced casting techniques for the time, these statues of a pensive bodhisattva possess a simple yet dynamic, splendid yet restrained beauty. They symbolize enlightenment and deep thinking about the birth, aging, sickness, and death of human beings.

▲ installation view of "Room of Quiet Contemplation". Photo by Rachel BaeThe Room of Quiet Contemplation is a space where visitors can immerse themselves in tranquil thoughts alongside the pensive bodhisattva statues.

Sayart.net
Rachel Bae sungmin.b.213@gmail.com