In 2001–02, a group of ancient stone figures was discovered among the ruins of a temple – probably built during the Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392) – in Yeongwol, Gangwon-do Province in South Korea. Depicting disciples of Buddha – the 500 arhats, who gathered together to compile the Buddha’s teachings into the sutras – the sculptures are believed to be between 600 and 1000 years old. Organised in collaboration with the Chuncheon National Museum of Korea, this display at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney (2 December–15 May 2022) is the first time that the works have ever been seen outside Korea. Find out more from the Powerhouse Museum’s website.
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Arhats from Changnyeongsa Temple. Courtesy Chuncheon National Museum of Korea
An arhat from Changnyeongsa Temple. Courtesy Chuncheon National Museum of Korea
An arhat from Changnyeongsa Temple. Courtesy Chuncheon National Museum of Korea