Stone Buddhas in Four Directions at Gulbulsa Temple Site, Gyeongju

This statue, standing at the Gulbulsa Temple Site in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, is a four-directional Buddha (sabangbul) carved on a single rock: Amitabha Buddha on the west face, the Buddha of Medicine on the east face, Maitreya Buddha on the north face, and Sakyamuni Buddha on the south face. According to the Samguk yusa, when King Gyeongdeok of Silla visited Baengnyulsa Temple, the sound of chanting was heard coming from underground. When the ground was dug up, this rock emerged, so Buddhas were carved on its four sides and a temple was built and named Gulbulsa Temple. Although this record alone is not conclusive, various circumstances suggest the statues were made around this time. For the Amitabha Buddha on the west, only the body was carved into the stone pillar while the head was made separately; the head is larger than the face, making it look as if the Buddha is wearing a hat. The body is dignified and shows well-modelled curves, and the hands and feet are also realistically carved. Standing Bodhisattva images carved from separate stones flank it on either side, forming a triad. The Buddha of Medicine on the east sits with both feet raised onto the knees, the whole body leaning forward. The face is very refined in expression, and the body appears lively and full of tension. On the north face, a standing Bodhisattva carved in high relief stands on the right, and on the left an Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva with six arms is carved in shallow lines. The Bodhisattva on the right has a round, pretty face and an elegant, curved posture, showing outstanding craftsmanship. The south face originally consisted of a triad, but it is said that the Japanese completely removed the Bodhisattva on the right and even the head of the central main Buddha. This represents Maitreya Buddha, who is said to appear in the future world to save all beings; the curved body and the depiction of thin robe folds display exceptional skill. The varied arrangement of three-dimensional and relief carving, of incised and raised lines, and of seated and standing figures is very unusual. The full, soft yet lively craftsmanship shows the characteristics of the early Unified Silla period well.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk

Designation

Treasure · 보물