East Stele of Yeongoksa Temple, Gurye

Yeongoksa Temple, founded during the Unified Silla period, has three seungtap, stupas enshrining the relics of monks. This stele stands in front of the East Stupa; its body slab has been lost, and only the base and capstone remain. The base takes the form of a dragon lying prostrate with its four legs stretched out in all directions, but it lacks realism, and because a broken section has been restored, it looks somewhat unnatural. The dragon's back is carved with a pattern resembling bird's wings, giving it a novel feel. The socket at the centre of the back, made to hold the stele slab, is decorated with cloud and lotus patterns. The capstone omits dragon patterns and is carved only with clouds, and at its top sits a carved bead wrapped in flames, a boju, an ornament shaped like a lotus bud. This Goryeo-period stele, with its small, compact scale and its unconventional carving forms, shows a new style distinct from that of the Unified Silla period.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Gurye, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

Treasure · 보물