‘Pensive Bodhisattva’ souvenirs find popularity among MZ generation

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Published: 06 Apr. 2022, 17:28 Updated: 11 Apr. 2022, 08:52

‘Pensive Bodhisattva’ souvenirs find popularity among MZ generation

Two Pensive Bodhisattva statues are on display at “A Room of Quiet Contemplation” in the National Museum of Korea [JOONGANG PHOTO]

“The Pensive Bodhisattva,” designated as Korea’s No. 78 National Treasure, caught the eye of the so-called MZ generation with its stylish design.

In particular, this Bodhisattva statue became widely popularized through the exhibition “A Room of Quiet Contemplation” at the National Museum of Korea. Two pensive bodhisattva statues — National Treasures No. 78 and No. 83 — standing side by side, are on permanent display.

A pensive bodhisattva is a statue of Buddha immersed in deep thought. The statue remains seated with one leg stretched across the other knee, with the fingers of the raised arm resting lightly against the cheek. It is one of the most representative National Treasures from the 6th to 7th centuries, as well as one of Korea’s world-renowned national cultural treasures.

The number of visitors to the “A Room of Quiet Contemplation” exhibition has already exceeded 110,000 as of Jan. 12. Even with the spike in Covid-19 cases, this must-see content received constant interest and love from all generations, especially among young people in their 20s and 30s.

Two types of Pensive Bodhisattva miniatures in four colors are available for presale through online shopping mall 'PisyopJ' [PisyopJ]

Moreover, the miniature of the Bodhisattva statue gained huge popularity as a therapeutic and contemplative souvenir after RM, the leader of boy band BTS, purchased it at the exhibition. RM is said to own at least two of these miniatures which come in an array of colors. They are unique in their value as the design is combined with the curator’s hand-picked color palette that attracts the attention of the young.

The souvenir of the Pensive Bodhisattva, with the reinterpreted contemporary design of a national treasure, is on sale now at the National Museum and Cultural Foundation Museum Shop and online shopping malls. Online shopping mall 'PisyopJ' (www.pisyopj.com) is holding a pre-order sale promotion of the Pensive Bodhisattva miniatures.

BY HAJIN KIM (kim.hajin@joongang.co.kr)

korea joongAng daily

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‘Pensive Bodhisattva’ souvenirs find popularity among MZ generation

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