Seated Amitabha Buddha

18th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 233

This Buddha’s size and raised left hand indicate that it was likely the leftmost sculpture of a three-Buddha altarpiece in the main hall of a temple. Several of the being’s features indicate enlightenment, including the downcast eyes and the single Sanskrit characters on the eyelids and chest. Though the bokjangmul (consecration materials) are no longer inside the sculpture, the inner surface is lined with paper bearing dharani (sacred phrases).

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

조선 목조 아미타여래좌상
朝鮮木造阿彌陀如來坐像
Title: Seated Amitabha Buddha
Period: Joseon dynasty (1392–1897)
Date: 18th century
Culture: Korea
Medium: Wood, lacquer, gilding, glass, and ink on paper
Dimensions: H. 37 1/4 in. (94.6 cm) × W. 26 3/8 in. (67 cm) × 20 in. (50.8 cm)
Classification: Sculpture
Credit Line: Purchase, Michael B. Kim and Kyung Ah Park Gift, 2026
Object Number: 2026.238a–c
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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