Five-story Stone Pagoda of Muryangsa Temple, Buyeo

This is a magnificent five-story stone pagoda standing in front of Geungnakjeon Hall of Muryangsa Temple. The platform supporting the pagoda consists of a single tier: a stepped base incorporating thick, rounded stones forms the support, with pillars set at the corners and centre of each side. The body of the pagoda comprises five storeys, each made up of a roof stone and a body stone. The body stones, which have pillars carved at the four corners, are relatively low compared to the roof stones, but the overall proportions are well balanced, giving an impression that is both elegant and dignified. The roof stones are thin and wide, with eaves that run horizontally before lifting lightly at the ends. The roof stones and the supports beneath them are made of separate stones, and the number of support tiers decreases toward the top. At the very top of the pagoda, part of a finial ornament survives above a low base stone. It is significant as a pagoda of the early Goryeo period that harmonises the stone pagoda styles of Baekje and Unified Silla. Because of its location in the former territory of Baekje, Baekje techniques were carried on here, while the styles of the Unified Silla period were also inherited. During dismantling work, a triad of gilt-bronze images - a seated Amitabha Buddha, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva and Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva - was found in the body stone of the first storey, a gilt-bronze bodhisattva image was found in the third storey, and reliquary items were found in the fifth storey.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Buyeo, Chungnam

Designation

Treasure · 보물