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National treasures of Korea, Japan to be on display together

National treasures of Korea, Japan to be on display together

Posted April. 21, 2016 07:23,   

Updated April. 21, 2016 07:30

한국어
Smile of Maitreya Bodhisattva statues, who are seen thinking deeply, is streaming graciously. The statues look like each other, as its fingers on the right hand touch the cheek, with one of his legs placed on the other knee. Bangasayusang statues of Korea and Japan, which were produced in the 6th and 7th century, are flagship cultural properties that reflect exchange of Buddhist cultures.

Korea's Geumdong Bangasayusang (National Treasure No. 78), or Gilt-Bronze Maitreya Bodhisattva Half-sitting Thinking Statue, and Wooden Bangasayusang, Japan’s national treasure possessed by the Chugu Buddhist Temple in Nara, will be on display side by side at the National Museum of Korea. It is the first time that the Wooden Bangasayusang from Japan's Chugu Temple is exhibited overseas. It is a rare opportunity for people to see the best of Bangasayusang statues from the two countries at a single place.

The National Museum of Korea said on Wednesday it is holding a special exhibition, entitled “Encounter of Bangasayusang Statues, National Treasures of Korea and Japan” marking the 50th anniversary of normalization of their diplomatic ties, from May 20. Bangasayusang, which originates from India, had spread to Korea and Japan through Central Asia and China.

Geumdong Bangasayusang, Korea’s National Treasure No. 78, was created in the 6th Century, while Japan's Bangasayusang that was produced in the 7th Century during the Asuka period. The two artistic masterpieces will be displayed in Korea from May 20 to June 12, before they are exhibited at the Tokyo National Museum of Japan from June 21 to July 10.



김상운 기자sukim@donga.com