Stone Lotus Pedestal of Geumsansa Temple, Gimje

A seokryeondae, or stone lotus pedestal, is a stone base on which a Buddhist statue is placed. Lotus pedestals of this kind are common, but this one is rare in form and very large in size. It stands beneath a stone platform about 10 m southeast of Daejeokgwangjeon Hall at Geumsansa Temple, though it is not known whether this is its original location. Although carved from a single stone, it is arranged neatly into upper, middle and lower sections as if made of several separate stones. The upper section has a flat top with two square holes at the centre, which appear to have held the two feet of a statue. Its underside is encircled with lotus petals supporting the top, with small leaves carved between the petals here and there, adding to its splendour. The middle section is hexagonal and carved in relief with floral patterns. The lower section is covered all over with inverted lotus shapes resembling rippling waves. This work follows the style of Unified Silla, but its lavish carving and decoration suggest that it was made in the period of transition from Unified Silla to Goryeo.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Gimje, Jeonbuk

Designation

Treasure · 보물