Stone Standing Buddha in Yeongju-dong, Yeongju

This is an almost complete bodhisattva statue with the halo and the figure carved from a single stone; it is said to have originally stood at a temple site in the town before being moved to its present location. The thick neck and broad, rounded shoulders give a powerful, dignified impression, and the same tendency runs through the whole body — in the thick arms and legs and the somewhat blunt hands and feet — together suggesting a forceful, masculine physique. The broad, square face, and especially the treatment of the thick lips, resembles the Rock-carved Buddha Triad and Seated Buddha in Gaheung-dong, Yeongju (Treasure) and the Stone Standing Buddha in Seokgyo-ri, Yeongju (Treasure), a similarity that can be understood as a regional trait. A distinctive feature of the robe worn by the bodhisattva is the knot depicted under the left armpit. The hem of drapery falling from this knot forms a zigzag as it drapes over the arm. This treatment is a rare one in Korea, found otherwise only on the gilt-bronze standing Bhaisajyaguru (Medicine Buddha) (Treasure) now in the National Museum of Korea. The halo, which represents the light radiating from the Buddha's body, has sharp lines, and the curve separating the head halo from the body halo is clearly drawn. This clarity of line suggests that the work was made earlier than the Stone Standing Amitabha Buddha at Gamsansa Temple site, Gyeongju (National Treasure). This bodhisattva statue is a powerful work that seems to embody a sturdy build and latent strength; though its execution is neither refined nor showy, it is not merely formulaic. Given these bodily features and the form of the halo, it is thought to be a work of the late Unified Silla period.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Yeongju, Gyeongbuk

Designation

Treasure · 보물