Rock-carved Buddhas in Tapgok Valley of Namsan Mountain, Gyeongju

This area was the site of a temple called Sininsa during the Unified Silla period. Traces of a wooden building remain on the large rock to the south, and scattered fragments of stone pagodas show that the temple faced south, centred on the Buddha image carved into the southern rock face. Various Buddha images are depicted in an almost pictorial manner across a huge square boulder some 9 metres high. On the south face a triad is arranged together with a separate bodhisattva image, and on the east face are shown a Buddha, bodhisattvas, a monk, and a bicheon, a celestial figure flying through the heavens. The Buddha and bodhisattva images are all provided with pedestals carved with lotus patterns and haloes representing the light radiating from the whole body, each in a different pose and with a different expression. The bicheon appears to soar through the sky and the monk to make offerings to the Buddha and bodhisattvas, but all the figures are so worn that their detailed carving technique can no longer be determined. On the west face stand two bodhi trees, the type of tree beneath which Sakyamuni is said to have sat and attained enlightenment, together with a Buddha image. That such a variety of figures, Buddhas, celestials, bodhisattvas, monks and pagodas, were carved with such care onto a single rock face makes clear the sculptor's intent to render the whole Buddhist world in his mind. The carving style is considerably schematised, but the pictorial arrangement of such lavish carving across one surface is unusual in Korea.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk

Designation

Treasure · 보물