This is a small gilt-bronze Buddha statue, small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. It was acquired half a century ago from Mr. Yoshio Yamanoi (an antique dealer), who was mentored by Mr. Hideo Hata, the owner of Chinpindo. Silla was an ancient kingdom located in the southeastern part of the Korean Peninsula. After the period of the Three Kingdoms, which included Goguryeo and Baekje, Silla unified almost all of the Korean Peninsula south of the central part (corresponding to present-day South Korea) by the mid-7th century. It is well known that Silla became the ancestor of the subsequent peninsular states, including Goryeo and the Joseon Dynasty. In terms of Japanese history, this was after the Battle of Baekgang (Hakusukinoe), where Silla, which had expanded its power on the Korean Peninsula, allied with the Tang Dynasty and defeated the Baekje-Wa alliance. Silla lasted until it was destroyed by Goryeo in 935. In other words, it ruled the Korean Peninsula until the mid-10th century. Buddhism flourished in Silla, and temple ruins remain in various places, with numerous gilt-bronze Buddhas and bronze statues having been unearthed. This small gilt-bronze Buddha statue is presumed to have been a personal Buddhist image owned by a nobleman during the Unified Silla period. Being over 1300 years old, it has a considerable patina. It was probably a gilded (gold-plated) Buddha statue. Considering this, one can discern a dull golden glow on a part of the lotus pedestal. However, it has been through fire several times, and the whole statue is blackened with patches of verdigris. The statue, with its crown and a childlike, serene smile, is reminiscent of the Yumechigai Kannon (Horyu-ji Temple) and the Standing Kannon statue (Kakurin-ji Temple). It has a short body compared to its head, and its side profile is reminiscent of the Kudara Kannon (Horyu-ji Temple). In any case, it seems to be a Bodhisattva statue that embodies the atmosphere of the same era. Silla Buddhas often depict Tathagata statues, and Bodhisattva statues are rare. The pedestal in the photo is part of the leg of a go board, said to be modeled after the fruit of the gardenia. It is made of kaya wood. The seller has long kept it at their side in this manner. It will be included with the sale. The appraisal of Buddhist art is particularly difficult. I would like to sell it to someone who appreciates its true value. 70 mm #GiltBronzeBuddha #Silla #Antique #BuddhistStatue