"A decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) has bought a South Korean national treasure – in what represents a remarkable first for the nation’s culture and crypto sectors. The piece dates back to the early part of the Goryeo Period of Korean history (918-1392) and is part of a set that comprises a trio of gilt-bronze Buddhist deities – in essence, a “home” for the three figures."
"ChannelA noted that the fact that the accompanying figures are still looking for a buyer – a suggestion that if the DAO – or another like-minded body – does not stump up the funds required to buy the other half of the piece, the tiny deities could yet be separated from their shrine."
"Most of the DAO’s purchases to date have been photographs, but it has previously made physical item purchases, including “several rare historical items” such as “glass plates from the Meiji Period of Japan history, and the Middle East [in the] late 1800s.”
"Korean Buddhists had a long tradition of carrying a portable shrine with Buddha images stored in it. The shrine of this type tended to feature the shape of a house built by carving wood, metal, or even stone. Today, it provides important clues about the Korean architectural styles in the past. This particular shrine, 18 centimeters high and made of gilt-bronze, was made to treasure a tiny Buddha triad, also made of bronze and gilt. Originally placed on a rectangular altar with handrails in the shrine, the triad consists of the principal Buddha seated in the middle with two acolytes standing on either side. The shrine features the shape of a Buddhist prayer hall complete with columns, roof with ornaments, and three windows -- one in the front and the other two on both sides -- through which one can have a clear view of the sacred images enshrined in it. The principal Buddha is marked by a rather stylized face, with the dharma robe covering both shoulders and having folds expressed by simple lines; behind him are glorious head and body lights edged with flame patterns. The two bodhisattvas flanking the Buddha display stylistic and technical similarities, but they wear beaded ornamental headgears. The shrine is substantially preserved in original condition, still retaining the gilt walls and green-rusted roof. The Buddha’s long waist, robe folds expressed rather haphazardly, and beaded crowns worn by bodhisattvas suggest that the statuettes were made under the influence of the north of the Korean Peninsula in the 11th and 12th centuries. Today, the triad and the shrine provide valuable information on the traditional style of Korean architecture and carving techniques developed during or before the Goryeo Period (918-1392)."
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