Two Rock-carved Seated Buddhas in Wonpung-ri, Goesan

Carved into a large rock some 12m high, hollowed out to hold two Buddha statues side by side, this is a rare example in Korea of this type of rock-carved Buddha. The round face, with its narrow, elongated eyes and broad mouth, carries a smile spreading across the whole face, giving an impression that is both firm and compassionate. The body, with its straight shoulders and flat chest, shows almost no bodily contour and is rendered in a formalised manner. The robe covers both shoulders, and its folds are carved in blunt, formulaic lines. Small buddhas are carved onto the halo that symbolises the light radiating from the body, but the details are too worn to make out clearly. Other examples of two Buddhas carved side by side include the bronze twin seated Buddhas traditionally said to be from the site of Daejeonsa Temple; this pairing is thought to reflect the story, found in the Lotus Sutra, of the Buddhas Prabhutaratna and Sakyamuni.

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Where it is

Region

Goesan, Chungbuk

Designation

Treasure · 보물