This polychrome wooden sculpture can be identified as Kashyapa, the eldest of the two principle disciples of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni. The standing figure, his two raised hands clasped in front, wears a blue robe edged in red and a red outer robe with a green border. The figure's relaxed stance and well-articulated facial features convey an expression of benevolence and wisdom. Polychrome wooden statues of monks and attendant boys and girls represent a notable part of the sculptural tradition of the Chosôn period.

According to the inscription placed with the votive offerings inside the image, the statue was made on the twenty-ninth day of the third month in 1700, together with a Buddha and other lohan figures, at a temple retreat on Mount Turyun in Yông’am district, now part of Taehûng Temple in South Chôlla Province.

Open full-size image