Figure Item Number: Ed1.215 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Dark grey, smooth, carved stone, light grey in recessed areas. Shaped like an isosceles triangle with rounded apex. Base is a large open lotus above which is a small ledge, worn smooth. An inverted u sits at each end. On ledge are three standing male figures in full relief; robes flowing outwards to ground. Robes have square open necks and wide sleeves. Each figure has hand on abdomen. Central figure has lotus headdress; others have bulbous crosshatched headdresses. Behind figures is flat triangular plaque with disc above central figure and scroll carvings around them.
History Of Use
Probably a folk carving, a votive stele from a shrine or temple.
Iconographic Meaning
Headdress of central figure is that of bodhisattva (a spirit entitled to Nirvana but has chosen to be devoted to service). Disc may represent a Buddhist halo or a roundel as seen in Taoist sculpture. Scrolls represent clouds or waves.
Cultural Context
worship
Item History
- Made in Korea
- Collected between 1898 and 1935
- Owned by Marion Stephan
- Owned by Charles H. Stephan before January 4, 1978
- Received from Charles H. Stephan (Donor) on January 4, 1978
What
- Name
- Figure
- Identification Number
- Ed1.215
- Type of Item
- figure
- Material
- basalt stone ?
- Manufacturing Technique
- carved and polished
- Overall
- height 19.3 in, width 10.0 in, depth 6.5 in
Who
- Culture
- Korean
- Previous Owner
- Marion Stephan and Charles H. Stephan
- Received from
- Charles H. Stephan (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Korea
When
- Collection Date
- between 1898 and 1935
- Ownership Date
- before January 4, 1978
- Acquisition Date
- on January 4, 1978
Other
- Item Classes
- carvings & sculpture
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 80
- Accession Number
- 0428/0016