Stele of Master Cheolgam at Ssangbongsa Temple, Hwasun

This is the stupa stele for the eminent Silla monk Master Cheolgam Doyun (798–868), who was active in the late Silla period. The body of the stele is now lost, and only the tortoise-shaped base and capstone remain. In the centre of the front of the capstone, a two-line seal-script title reading "Stele Inscription for the Late Master Cheolgam of Ssangbongsan" is carved. Master Cheolgam Doyun was a native of Hanju. He entered Tang China in 825, the seventeenth year of King Heondeok, studied there for a time, and returned to Silla together with State Preceptor Beomil in 847, the ninth year of King Munseong. He was the eminent monk who later led King Gyeongmun, upon his accession to the throne, to take refuge in Buddhism. When he died at Ssangbongsa Temple in 868, the eighth year of King Gyeongmun, at the age of 71, King Gyeongmun bestowed on him the posthumous title "Cheolgam" and the stupa name "Jingso." The carving on the stele is both decorative and vigorous in spirit. In particular, the powerful posture of the tortoise base sitting firmly on its plinth, and the way its right forepaw grips the ground, represent a new technique that departs from conventional, formulaic expression. The capstone is carved throughout with dragons and cloud patterns, and flaming jewels wrapped in flames are carved at three places on its upper surface, though one of these has now been lost. The stele is presumed to have been erected not long after the master's death in 868.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Hwasun, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

Treasure · 보물