Rock-carved Seated Buddha in Wolchulsan Mountain, Yeongam

A deep niche was cut into the rock face on the north-west side of Gujeongbong Peak on Wolchulsan Mountain, Yeongam, South Jeolla, to seat a Buddha, and a huge Buddha 8.6 m high was carved within it. Beside its right knee is a boy 86 cm high, carved in the act of worshipping the Buddha. A large, high topknot rises from the head, and the face, fairly large for the body, is stern and forceful. The robe, leaving the right shoulder bare, is rendered thin, showing the contours of the body. Its folds are incised in fine lines that flow down below the pedestal. The fine folds and full body give the whole a spring and a force. The arms are thin for so commanding a body; the right hand rests on the knee with fingertips pointing down, and the left lies palm up on the lap, in the gesture of subduing demons and calling the earth to witness. Halo and body aureole are carved separately, filled with lotus and scrolls and edged with flame. The overall impression is stable and solemn, with fine, precise carving and real force. On the other hand the face, large for the body, and the arms, too small, betray an unbalanced proportion and stiffness, suggesting it was made between late Unified Silla and early Goryeo.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Yeongam, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

National Treasure · 국보