Seonunsa Temple's 'Three Maitreya' statues become art world stars

Three Maitreya Bodhisattva statues, known as the "Three Maitreya," from the historic Seonunsa Temple in Gochang County have become unlikely celebrities in the art world. These statues, each with distinct personalities, are currently the centerpiece of a special exhibition at the Seoul Museum of Buddhist Art titled "Seonunsa Temple - Entering Seon, Lying in Clouds." The exhibition, which opened on April 22, has drawn immense attention, surpassing 50,000 visitors by the fourth week of July and setting a new record for the museum since its opening in 2007.

The "Three Maitreya" consist of a gilt bronze seated Maitreya from the Doseol Hermitage Naewongung, a gilt bronze seated Maitreya from Seonunsa Temple's main hall, and a stone seated Maitreya from Chamdang Hermitage. These statues, originating from the late Goryeo to early Joseon periods (14th-15th centuries), are displayed together for the first time. Their unique appearances, adorned with head coverings and bell necklaces, and their mysterious histories have sparked widespread interest, particularly among younger audiences who are reportedly enthusiastic about their aesthetic qualities.

The exhibition showcases the evolution of Maitreya imagery in Korean Buddhist art. The oldest of the three, the gilt bronze statue from Doseol Hermitage, is considered a masterpiece of late Goryeo period sculpture, characterized by its solemn yet elegant demeanor and robust physique. The central gilt bronze statue from Seonunsa Temple's main hall, estimated to be from the late 14th to early 15th century, is lauded for its graceful smile, delicate hands, and intricate ornamentation, making it a prime example of Maitreya statues with head coverings from that era. A notable anecdote recounts its theft in 1936, its journey to Japan, and its eventual return to Seonunsa Temple after two years due to persistent dreams of the Maitreya statue pleading for its return and subsequent misfortunes befalling its possessor.

The stone Maitreya statue from Chamdang Hermitage, a 15th-century granite work, presents a solemn and upright impression. It is notable for being enshrined on a three-tiered pedestal dating back to the Goryeo period, demonstrating the continuation of the tradition of sculpting Maitreya figures with head coverings into the early Joseon era. The gathering of these three significant Maitreya statues offers a rare opportunity for art historians and Buddhist devotees alike to appreciate a highlight of Korean Buddhist sculpture spanning the Goryeo and early Joseon periods, and to experience the spiritual power attributed to these sacred images.