Stone Seated Buddha in Bakgok-ri, Cheongdo

The Sakyamuni Buddha has been an object of worship throughout every age, and this statue too has had a separate shrine hall built for it by the local villagers. A great fire in 1928 damaged not only the halo and pedestal but also the body of the Buddha itself. The exact features of the face can no longer be made out, but the overall impression is gentle yet full. On the neck, the three curved lines known as samdo, a traditional mark on Buddha images, are clearly rendered. The shoulders appear vigorous and the chest full and dignified, in contrast to the slender, narrow waist. The robe covers only the left shoulder, leaving the right shoulder bare; it clings closely to the body, and its folds are rendered simply. Although damaged, this statue is similar in style to the principal Buddha of Seokguram Grotto (a national treasure) in Gyeongju, and it is highly regarded as a dignified yet refined stone Buddha from the golden age of Unified Silla.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Cheongdo, Gyeongbuk

Designation

Treasure · 보물