The National Museum of Korea has unveiled a gilt bronze statue of the Buddha created during the Unified Silla period from the end of the 8th century to early 9th century. 

With a height of 30 cm, the statue has flat features and a relatively big face compared to its body which are typical characteristics of the Buddha statues made in the latter half of the period.

According to the museum, the statue represents a masterpiece previously unknown in the country during the time.

Calling it a national-treasure level piece of art, the museum said it will put the piece on display from Tuesday next week to the end of next month.