Stone Seated Buddha in Yeondong-ri, Iksan

This Buddha statue is a Baekje-period work that has survived intact apart from its head, retaining its body, pedestal and mandorla (halo). The present head is a modern replacement, and the current height of the body is 156 cm. The broad shoulders, well-balanced physique and wide lower body give an impression that is at once slightly awkward yet resilient and graceful. The robe drapes over both shoulders and falls long enough to cover the rectangular pedestal; at the front it forms a U-shaped fold, while symmetrical Ω-shaped folds appear on either side in two tiers. The statue's hands are shown in an unusual gesture: the left hand touches the chest with the thumb and middle finger bent, while the right hand rests on the leg with the third and fourth fingers bent. At the centre of the mandorla, a round head-halo projects outward, carved inside with sixteen lotus-flower designs, and its outer edge radiates outward in a sunburst pattern. The body halo likewise projects outward, and on its outer surface seven small Buddha figures are carved against a background of flame motifs. Given the form of the pedestal and the designs carved on the mandorla, this stone standing Buddha is a rare and highly significant Baekje-period work of around 600, dignified yet refined in character.

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Where it is

Region

Iksan, Jeonbuk

Designation

Treasure · 보물