Miniature Wooden Shrine with A Seated Avalokiteshvara at Boriam in Namhae

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The Miniature Wooden Shrine with A Seated Avalokiteshvara, a shrine with a seated Avalokiteshvara, a Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, at Boriam in Namhae, is a miniature shrine with a statue of Avalokiteshvara flanked by Sudnana and the Dragon King.

The shrine has lost the upper part, and the rest of the shrine is not fully complete. It is believed that this type of miniature shrine, together with the shrine (1637-1644) preserved at Dongkuk University, was popular from the 17th to 19th centuries. It is believed that this shrine was made in the 17th century given that the Avalokiteshvara at Boriam has plump cheeks, no bandana, a symmetrical sitting mat with carved lotus, and the elegant flow of the robe, which are regarded as characteristics typical of the 17th century around the latter part of the Joseon Dynasty.

This 17th Century shrine may be considered a valuable treasure for research on Buddhist statues, since it displays an Avalokiteshvara, an attending Dragon King, and Sudnana, in such a unique wooden shrine.

Miniature Wooden Shrine with a Seated Avalokiteshvara is Gyeongsangnam-do Tangible Cultural Properties #575.