The Choson dynasty's (1392–1910) embrace of Neo-Confucianism in the late fourteenth century was part of a deliberate program to distinguish the new dynasty from the corrupt Koryo government  (918–1392) and to augment the power of the country's new rulers. The more modest scale of Buddhist art during this time reflects the diminished wealth and influence of the Buddhist establishment and the lack of large state-sponsored projects. During this period Buddhism was espoused largely by the common people, along with some wealthy adherents, principally women from the royalty or aristocracy, and most of the religious objects produced were intended for private worship.

A gilt-bronze seated figure of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara preserves the elegance and traditional elements of the Koryo style, particularly in its posture of royal ease, with the right leg bent and the left leg pendant. The jewelry and the ornate double-lotus throne hint at the influence of Tibetan Buddhism, which was introduced to Korea from China during the Mongol Yuan dynasty (1272–1368).