Commonly referred to as the Contemplative Bodhisattva, or the Gilt-Bronze Seated Maitreya in English, the Maitreya Bodhisattva Buddha Statue is the National Treasure of Korea No. 83 and the original Geumdong Mireuk Bosal Bangasayusang is currently located in the National Museum of Korea in Seoul, Korea.

Originally commissioned by the South Korean Government for the Korean Art 5000 Exhibition (5000 Years of Korean Art) in 1976, this full-size official replica Korean Maitreya Bodhisattva Buddha Statue was reproduced by the finest Bronze craftsmen in Korea.

This replica Geumdong Mireuk Bosal Bangasayusang was brought to the United States in the late 1970s, and has been in storage ever since.

The only other officially commissioned authentic replica of the Geumdong Mireuk Bosal Bangasayusang Maitreya Bodhisattva in the United States is located in the Korean Cultural Center in Los Angeles, California.

The Geumdong Mireuk Bosal Bangasayusang is believed to be one of the finest Buddhist sculptures ever produced, and is considered a masterpiece of Korean and Buddhist Art. The Maitreya Bodhisattva is believed to have originated in the Kingdom of Silla, and was originally produced in the early 7th century out of solid Bronze that was Gold plated.

The Geumdong Mireuk Bosal Bangasayusang is seated on a round pedestal. The Maitreya Bodhisattva's right leg is crossed over it's left knee with the right hand touching it's right cheek, and the left hand resting on the crossed right leg.

While Chinese versions of the Maitreya Bodhisattva Buddha Statue have stiff, highly stylized drapery, the Korean Geumdong Mireuk Bosal Bangasayusang features flowing and realistic drapery. The slender figure of the Maitreya Bodhisattva suggests Baekje influences, but the bridgeline, sharp nose, and realistically flowing drapery indicate that the original Korean Maitreya Bodhisattva was probably cast by Sillan Bronze Artists.

The Korean Geumdong Mireuk Bosal Bangasayusang is perfectly porportioned, unlike other Maitreya Bodhisattva Buddha Statues which are often highly stylized or distorted. There is a true harmony that exists between the lower half and the upper half of the statue, indicative of the attention to detail and realistic proportions. The Maitreya has a simple tri-fold crown, and is bare chested, adding to the sense of calm meditation the statue exudes.

The Miroku Bosatsu Buddha Statue at the Koryu-ji Buddhist Temple of Kyoto, which is Japanese National National Treasure No. 1, is the twin of the Korean Geumdong Mireuk Bosal Bangasayusang, and is almost certainly of Korean origin. The Miroku is carved of Red Pine, and was probably sent to the Yamato Court by the King of Silla.

The Geumdong Mireuk Bosal Bangasayusang is such an integral part of Korean culture and history, that the Korean people have chosen this one Buddha to cherish and revere over all the other Buddhas in Buddhism. The Maitreya Bodhisattva, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, is such an intimate part of the Korean people, that they affectionately call her "Miss Mercy".

The Maitreya is a Bodhisattva, not a true Buddha. She chose to forsake Nirvana, and return to Earth to help others reach Nirvana. The Maitreya will eventually attain Nirvana, but not until five and one half billion years has past, and she has helped all other living creatures to find Enlightenment.

The original Korean Geumdong Mireuk Bosal Bangasayusang, Korean National Treasure No. 83 is considered priceless, and is insured for an estimated 100 Billion Won by the South Korean Government. It is the single most valuable National Treasure of Korea.

Due to modern bans and restrictions on the export of traditional Korean Art from South Korea, it is highly unlikely that an officially sanctioned replica of the Korean Geumdong Mireuk Bosal Bangasayusang Maitreya Bodhisattva Buddha Statue will ever be available again in the United States.

The Maitreya Bodhisattva stands 38 inches high on a base that is 16 inches wide and 22 inches deep. Approximate weight is 400 pounds. Professional packing, crating, and insured shipping can easily be arranged. Approximate costs for professional packing, crating, and insured shipping are $1000.00 to the East Coast of the United States.

Additional Photos available upon request.

Please contact Koreana Gifts and Arts for additional information.

(213) 382 3213

(800) 835 6732