In 2013, the 14,000-year-old statue’s unparalleled allure captivated audiences as a centerpiece of the ‘Silla: Korea’s Golden Kingdom’ exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. A rare sight outside of Korea, its presence was electric and well-received, elevating its monumental significance at the zenith of artistic and spiritual achievement internationally. Scholars and art connoisseurs, echoing the sentiments of renowned figures like Karl Jaspers and Dr. Soyoung Lee (Harvard Museum Chief Curator), have lauded it as a pinnacle of living artistic beauty, the Mona Lisa of Korea, and a treasure that bridges the ancient and modern worlds. Today, it resides in the National Museum of Korea and is considered the most important national treasure in the nation. Aside from photography from Joon Choi, photography is strictly limited, making the “Smile of Serenity” NFT collection incredibly rare.
*A Portrait Granted ExclusiveAccess by the Korean National Museum
Joon Choi’s opportunity to officially photograph one of Korea’s most revered cultural treasures stands as a rare honor, unmatched by any photographer before or since. Granted exclusive access by the Korean National Museum, his lens reveals the “Pensive Bodhisattva” in a new light, transforming it from a mere statue into a profound portrait of peace and hope. “Smile of Serenity” skillfully highlights both the statue's exquisite artistry and gilded contours, hallmarks of Korea’s 6th-century Golden Kingdom, while also capturing the essence of tranquility and compassion that the Bodhisattva embodies. Through “Smile of Serenity” this national treasure is experienced on a deeply emotional level, drawing viewers into a rare and reflective opportunity to not simply observe, but to see inside this emblem of serene wisdom.
