An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Amitabha Triad1400s
This rare bronze triad from the 1400s shows Amitabha (아미타불 in Korean), or the Buddha of the Western Paradise, seated on a lotus pedestal at the center. He is flanked by two sacred attendants, Ksitigarbha (지장보살 in Korean) on his left and Avalokitesvara (관음보살 in Korean) on his right. The combination of these three Buddhist deities was particularly popular in the early Joseon period. The small scale suggests that this triad might have been displayed in a personal shrine rather than a large worship hall.
This bronze statue that shows three powerful Buddhist deities was acquired in Korea in 1916 by Langdon Warner (1881–1955), the famous art historian at that time.
bronze with traces of gilding
Overall: 40.6 x 16.5 x 54.6 cm (16 x 6 1/2 x 21 1/2 in.)
Worcester R. Warner Collection
In the hushed corners of time, where the whispers of the 1400s still echo, a rare bronze triad quietly awaits the gaze of those who seek solace. Imagine a serene space, cloaked in the warmth of dim lights, where the air is thick with reverence. At the heart of this sacred ensemble, Amitabha, known as 아미타불 in Korean, sits gracefully upon a lotus pedestal, embodying tranquility and compassion. His presence radiates a soft, welcoming glow, inviting the beholder to pause, reflect, and breathe deeply.
Flanking Amitabha, the air thickens with devotion. On his left side stands Ksitigarbha, 지장보살, a guardian of souls, whose steadfast gaze is one of protection and guidance. In the delicate details of his figure, you can sense the weight of his promise to ease the suffering of those lost in the labyrinth of life. On Amitabha’s right, Avalokitesvara, 관음보살, emanates an aura of boundless compassion. Her gentle expression seems to whisper comfort, a reminder that love and understanding always find their way back to the heart.
This harmonious trio was especially cherished during the early Joseon period, a time when artistry flourished alongside spiritual pursuits. Crafted with meticulous care, the small scale of this triad hints at a personal connection—a sacred centerpiece for an intimate shrine, perhaps tucked away in a quiet corner of a home, where prayers mingled with the soft flicker of candlelight.
As you stand before this triad, the relationship between the three deities transcends time, each one a testament to the enduring quest for peace—a peace that lies in understanding, compassion, and the gentle embrace of spiritual connection. The bronze shines not just with the patina of age but with the weight of human stories and devotion, echoing through the centuries, inviting everyone to find their own path in the tapestry of existence.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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