• Early Joseon Dynasty
• Dry lacquer
• duk 2253

This image of Avalokiteshvara was crafted using the dry-lacquer method, which applied black lacquer to multiple hemp sheets layered onto the clay body, which would be scooped out after the hemp layers were completely dried. Although dry-lacquered statues were rarely produced due to the scarcity of black lacquer and the complexity of the crafting process, a few cases from late Goryeo and early Joseon still survive. This particular statue is the smallest among the extant cases. The seated posture of the bodhisattva with one leg pendant is lalitasana. The stylistic features of this statue, such as a plump face, downward shoulders, drapes, and ornaments, suggest its dating to early Joseon.