In the Buddhist Sculpture room of the Sculpture and Crafts Gallery, National Treasure No. 78 “Pensive Bodhisattva” is on display from Tuesday, May 10, in place of National Treasure No. 83 “Pensive Bodhisattva. ” The NMK plans to replace one with the other every year on the occasion of Buddha’s Birthday.

National Treasure No. 78 Pensive Bodhisattva, along with National Treasure No. 83 Pensive Bodhisattva, is one of the Pensive Bodhisattva masterpieces of Korea still extant. The crown on the head is based on various motifs. It includes ornaments shaped like the crescent moon and sun, and is therefore also called the ‘solar and lunar eclipse, three mountain crown’. Compared to National Treasure No. 83, National Treasure No. 78 Pensive Bodhisattva has an overall decorative and flat form.

(Left) Pensive Bodhisattva (Bangasayusang) National Treasure No. 78

(Right) Pensive Bodhisattva (Bangasayusang) National Treasure No. 83

Pensive Bodhisattva (National Treasure No. 78) on display