7th-Century Buddhist Statue Allowed to be Displayed in New York

THE GLOBAL POST

Gilt-bronze Pensive Maitreya Bodhisattva -- the national treasure No. 83

SOUTH KOREA---In a major reversal of its earlier decision, the Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) said Friday it has decided to allow a precious Korean Buddhist statue to be shown in a special exhibit at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art later this year. The Gilt-bronze Pensive Maitreya Bodhisattva -- the national treasure No. 83 -- will be shown at Met's exhibition called "Silla: Korea's Golden Kingdom," scheduled for Oct. 29-Feb. 23. On July 29, the CHA had prohibited the National Museum of Korea from taking three items, including Maitreya, citing concerns of damage from overseas travel and too many showings at foreign exhibitions. [link]