Large Antique Korean Carved Buddhist Figure Sculpture

Details

Description

Bring a touch of peaceful tranquil serenity and help ward off sickness and negative energy with this large Joseon dynasty … Read more Bring a touch of peaceful tranquil serenity and help ward off sickness and negative energy with this large Joseon dynasty (1392–1910) antique Asian hand carved and painted wooden Buddhist figure.

Dating to the 18th/19th century, Korea, retaining the original polychrome finish with beautifully aged patina.

Accompanied with a contemporary acrylic stand, the wooden religious sculpture depicting seated monk in traditional robe, karana mudrā position, this gesture signifies the warding off evil and is believed to help in reducing sickness and negative thoughts.

The covered hollowed compartment in back was used to hold sacred texts, tiny rolled prayer scrolls, and other spiritually imbued offerings inside the statue.

Dimensions: (approx)
21.75" Tall, 12.5" Wide, 9" Deep

History:
The dynastic change from the Goryeo to the Joseon was a relatively peaceful one. However, for the first time since Buddhism was accepted by the courts of the Three Kingdoms, the religion fell out of favor with the king and his court. The decadent royal patronage by the Goryeo kings and the growing power of the temples and clergy led the Joseon kings to suppress the religion in favor of Neo-Confucianism. While some kings were Buddhists in their private life, the government funds for temples and the commissioning and quality of statues declined.

Like most Korean works of art, early Joseon sculpture fared poorly in the Japanese invasions of Korea from 1592 to 1598 and few survive today. The Japanese invasion is the dividing line between early Joseon and late Joseon. The bravery of the many monks who fought against the Japanese invaders was recognized after the war. While never the official religion of the court, Buddhism enjoyed a resurgence and many of the temples and statues that are seen in Korea today were built from the 17th century onward.

Provenance / Acquisition:
Acquired from the reputable auction house Heritage Auctions, Dallas, Texas. Fine & Decorative Arts Showcase Auction #13205 catalog

Condition Report:
A superb museum quality example, accompanied with modern acrylic stand, the specimen is in excellent original unrestored antique condition with desirable warm rustic distressed patina over the whole. Condition commensurate with age and exposure, with some age appropriate hairline splits, attractive flaking to painted areas, and minor chippy paint losses, but overall stable. Presents splendidly. See less