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Item id: 9568

6th–9th Century Silla Dynasty Bronze Buddha (Possibly Earlier or Slightly Later) — Monumental 16.5-Inch Example. This magnificent Silla Dynasty Buddha—dating broadly from the 6th to 9th century (with some possibility of slightly later revival work)—is exceptionally large for its type, standing an impressive 16.5 inches tall. Its scale alone makes it an extraordinary rarity within the corpus of early Korean Buddhist sculpture.



The face is superb: gentle, joy-filled, and radiating a deep spiritual warmth seldom found in provincial works of this period. In form and structure, the piece bears striking similarities to Korean National Treasure No. 79 (dated 709 AD), including the shape of the base, the robe configuration, and the distinctive ushnisha. That example is a refined, intricately gilded masterpiece with an ornate backplate; yet when viewed side by side, the connection in form is unmistakable. One can easily imagine a deeply devoted individual—without access to an elite royal atelier—creating this sculpture in conscious homage to the great prototypes of the era.



The drapery has a notably Gandharan character, particularly in the way the robes close at the neck, suggesting the lingering influence of Silk Road aesthetics. The combination of stylistic elements supports a dating as early as the 6th century, though the unusually large size and the provincial execution make a late Silla origin (or very shortly after) more likely. Condition is excellent for a sculpture of this age and scale. The only issue is the post connecting the figure to its base, which has gradually bent to one side over the centuries. A custom museum-style base has been crafted to allow the Buddha to sit straight without disturbing the ancient structure. While the underside appears stable, the metal is likely brittle from age, and attempting to correct the bend would be inadvisable.



It is the combination of the monumental height, the extraordinary early dating, and the profoundly serene expression that makes this sculpture an extreme rarity in early Korean bronzes. Comparable examples are nearly impossible to locate—searching the literature and the internet quickly confirms just how unusual and important this Buddha is. While there remains some possibility of a later revival date (no later than the 13th–14th century at the absolute outer limit), the overall feel, patina, form, and devotional presence strongly support an early Silla attribution. In decades of collecting, I have never encountered another Buddha quite like it.