Rock-carved Standing Buddha in Icheon-dong, Andong

This is a massive Buddha image, 12.38 metres in total height, with the body incised in lines on a natural rock face and the head carved separately and placed on top. Buddha images of this type were widely made during the Goryeo period, and the Rock-carved Standing Buddhas in Yongmi-ri, Paju (Treasure) show almost the same technique. The back of the head is largely damaged, but the front remains intact. On the head rises a high topknot-shaped protuberance (usnisha), and the face carries a compassionate smile, so that despite its huge size the overall form appears natural. Traces of vermilion remain on the head and face, especially the mouth, making clear that the statue was originally painted in colour. The robe covers both shoulders, and its few folds are rendered in a highly schematic way. The hands are positioned with the index and middle fingers touching, the left hand held at the chest and the right hand at the abdomen. This work is one of the large, regionally styled Buddha images that were popular during the Goryeo period, and it is an important source for studying the Buddhist sculptural style of the time.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Andong, Gyeongbuk

Designation

Treasure · 보물