▲ Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva ⓒ National Museum of Korea

Amsterdam, Netherlands - The Rijksmuseum proudly presents its first-ever exhibition of a Korean Buddha statue, featuring the 18th-century Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva.

On loan from the National Museum of Korea, this cultural treasure will grace the Asian Pavilion of the Rijksmuseum until May 2026. The loan underscores Korea’s commitment to enriching global museum collections with diverse artifacts, as articulated by a spokesperson from the National Museum of Korea.

Crafted by the esteemed Buddhist monk Jinyeol during the mid-1700s to early 1720s, the Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva exemplifies the prolific artistic contributions of Korean monks. 

▲ Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam ⓒ National Museum of KoreaUnlike their counterparts in China and Japan, Korean monks were distinguished for creating sculptures themselves, maintaining their works in impeccable condition over centuries.

The presence of Korean artifacts in the Rijksmuseum is relatively sparse, estimated at around 30 pieces, according to the National Museum of Korea.

As the largest art museum in the Netherlands housing a million objects, the Rijksmuseum is renowned for its collection spanning from Rembrandt and Vermeer to Van Gogh and beyond.

This unveiling marks a significant cultural exchange fostering deeper appreciation and understanding of Korean Buddhist artistry on the global stage.

Sayart / Jack Lee, wangjb77@gmail.com