[Treasure] Wooden Seated Child Manjusri of Sangwonsa Temple

Name: Wooden Seated Child Manjusri of Sangwonsa Temple

Period: Joseon Period (1392-1910)

Location: Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province

Status: National Treasure

Located in Mount Odae, in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province, a temple named Sangwonsa was built by Jajangyulsa in 645. In the book titled Samguk Yusa (The Heritage of the Three States) it was recorded that Jajangyulsa built it after meeting with Manjusri (the Bodhisattva of wisdom and intellect). In addition, King Sejo of Joseon (1392-1910) cured his disease here with the help of a young monk of wisdom and intellect, according to historical records. Sangwon Temple was closely related with the Manjusri religion.

The statue of the young monk in Sangwon Temple is worthy of note since it was the only young monk statue built for worshipping. With its head dropped, the body was well balanced. It had its hair tied up to both sides, while both full cheeks gave a naive impression. Its broad shoulders were depicted with a robe, which run through the armpits from left to right. On its chest, bead ornaments hang down. The pleats of the robe were depicted gently and smoothly according to the counters of the body. Its right hand with the thumb and the middle finger almost touching each other were raised up to the shoulders. It sat in a comfortable position with the left leg bent inside, while the right leg lies outside without the pedestal.

Recently, relics recording that Princess Uisuk and her husband, the second daughter of King Sejo of Joseon, enshrined the young monk statue in 1466 (the 12th year of King Sejo) were found from the statue. It was important information for the art because the time and origin were clear.