National Treasure "Pensive Bodhisattva" Released as Banknote-Type Commemorative Medal

Image photo of the 'Former National Treasure No. 83 Banjasayusang Banknote-Type Commemorative Medal.' Provided by Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation

[Asia Economy (Daejeon) Reporter Jeong Ilwoong] The National Treasure Pensive Bodhisattva (Former National Treasure No. 83, housed at the National Museum of Korea) is being released as a banknote-type commemorative medal.

On July 21, Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation (KOMSCO) announced that it has collaborated with the National Museum of Korea to plan and launch the "National Treasure Pensive Bodhisattva Banknote-Type Commemorative Medal."

The Pensive Bodhisattva is a work that depicts Prince Siddhartha meditating while contemplating the human cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death.

The front of the commemorative medal features a line drawing of the Pensive Bodhisattva in the style of a banknote, enhancing its three-dimensional effect and artistic value.

Additionally, the front side is engraved with both the image of the Pensive Bodhisattva and the phrases "National Treasure Pensive Bodhisattva" in Korean and "Pensive Bodhisattva" in English, to avoid monotony in the design.

According to KOMSCO, the reverse side of the medal presents an enlarged image of the Bodhisattva’s face, capturing the expression of a gentle smile as if attaining enlightenment in deep contemplation.

The commemorative medal will be produced and sold in limited quantities: 200 gold medals (99.9% purity, 20g each) and 2,000 silver medals (99.9% purity, 10g each).

The selling prices (including VAT) are 2,640,000 KRW for the gold medal and 110,000 KRW for the silver medal.

Purchases can be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis from July 21 to August 5 through the KOMSCO online shopping mall, Poongsan Hwadong, Hyundai H Mall, The Hyundai.com, Lotte ON, Lotte Department Store Mall, GS SHOP, and at the KOMSCO Orot and Dium Halls (Exit 5, Gwangheungchang Station, Subway Line 6).

On July 25 at 7:00 p.m., Hyundai H Mall will also unveil and sell the actual medal through a mobile shopping live broadcast.

Ban Jangsik, President of KOMSCO, stated, “It is meaningful to have the opportunity to widely promote the beauty of our culture by jointly planning and producing the Pensive Bodhisattva commemorative medal with the National Museum of Korea,” and added, “KOMSCO will continue to plan and produce various types of commemorative medals themed on cultural heritage to enhance the public’s enjoyment of culture.”

Meanwhile, the Pensive Bodhisattva, which served as the model for the commemorative medal, was crafted from gilt-bronze in the early 7th century and stands 93.5 cm tall. It is distinguished by being the largest and most beautiful among gilt-bronze pensive bodhisattva statues.

In particular, the statue features a three-peaked crown formed by three connected semicircles on its head, a well-balanced body, and a mysterious expression with a slight smile on its full face.

Regarded as one of Korea’s representative relics, this Pensive Bodhisattva is on display at the National Museum of Korea. In November of last year, the museum opened the permanent exhibition room “Room of Contemplation,” where Former National Treasure No. 78 and No. 83 Pensive Bodhisattva statues are displayed side by side.

Before the release of the banknote-type commemorative medal for National Treasure No. 83, KOMSCO and the National Museum of Korea had already launched a commemorative medal for National Treasure No. 78 Pensive Bodhisattva in May.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.