Images of the pensive bodhisattva became prevalent in East Asia between the fifth and eighth centuries. In Korea, the type emerged as an important Buddhist icon during the sixth and seventh centuries, particularly in the kingdoms of Baekje and Silla. This seated figure is among the best-preserved examples. It is infused with a subtle yet palpable energy that is articulated in such details as the pliant and lifelike fingers and toes. His crown is topped with an orb-and-crescent motif, indicating Central Asian influence.
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Artwork Details
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금동반가사유상 삼국 金銅半跏思惟像 三國
Title:Pensive bodhisattva
Period:Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE–676 CE)
Date:mid-7th century
Culture:Korea
Medium:Gilt bronze
Dimensions:H. 8 7/8 in. (22.5 cm); W. 4 in. (10.2 cm); D. 4 1/4 in. (10.8 cm)
Classification:Sculpture
Credit Line:Purchase, Walter and Leonore Annenberg and The Annenberg Foundation Gift, 2003
Object Number:2003.222
Muneichi Nitta 新田棟一 （彭楷棟） , Tokyo, Japan (by 1987–2003; sale, Christie's, New York, Japanese and Korean Art, March 24, 2003, lot 308, as "Seated Maitreya," to MMA
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Hidden Jewels from the Mary Griggs Burke Collection," July 3, 2004–January 9, 2005.
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Arts of Korea," January 14, 2005–October 29, 2006.
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Birds and Flowers," November 1, 2006–April 29, 2007.
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Buddhist Paintings from the Koryō Dynasty (918–1392)," May 8–October 22, 2007.
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Maebyông," October 30, 2007–March 3, 2008.
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Beauty and Learning: Korean Painted Screens," March 11–June 1, 2008.
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Arts of Korea," June 10–October 24, 2008.
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "The Philippe de Montebello Years: Curators Celebrate Three Decades of Acquisitions," October 24, 2008–February 1, 2009.
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Art of Korea," July 7–November 15, 2009.
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Contemplations on the Moon Jar," November 16, 2009–April 25, 2010.
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Arts of Korea," May 19–November 7, 2010.
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Representation/Abstraction in Korean Art," November 23, 2010–March 20, 2011.
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Patchwork Textiles Across Cultures," August 24–December 5, 2011.
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Art of Korea: Buddhism and Buddhist Art," December 9, 2011–June 3, 2012.
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Korean Art," June 8–November 11, 2012.
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Flora and Fauna in Korean Art," June 15, 2013–June 1, 2014.
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "The Still Life in Korean Art," June 7, 2014–February 1, 2015.
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Korea: 100 Years of Collecting at the Met," February 7, 2015–March 27, 2016.
Seoul. National Museum of Korea. "Masterpieces of Early Buddhist Sculpture," September 24, 2015–November 15, 2015.
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Expressions of Nature in Korean Art," April 2–September 18, 2016.
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Splendors of Korean Art," October 1, 2016–October 22, 2017.
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Essential Korea," June 7, 2018–November 14, 2021.
Jin tong fo zao xiang te zhan tu lu (The crucible of compassion and wisdom: special exhibition catalog of the Buddhist bronzes from the Nitta Group Collection at the National Palace Museum) 金銅佛造像特展圖錄 / [編輯者國立故宫博物院編輯委員會]. Exh. cat. Chu ban ed., Taipei: National Palace Museum, 1987, pp. 225, 424–25, pl. 126.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Metropolitan Museum of Art Guide. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2012, p. 109.
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