Rock-carved Seated Buddha in Bukhansan Mountain, Gugi-dong, Seoul

A shallow recess was carved into the surface of a massive rock, and the Buddha was then carved so as to stand out in relief; an octagonal capstone is set into the rock above the head to protect the face. The face, though somewhat stiff, conveys a strong sense of will, with a composed smile playing across it. The body is sturdy and dignified, yet its angular, flattened forms give it a rather rigid appearance. The robe leaves the right shoulder bare and covers only the left shoulder, and the folds carved into the left arm show a geometric, abstract quality. The left hand rests on the abdomen while the right hand lies neatly on the knee, and the pedestal on which the Buddha sits bears an overlapping, richly carved lotus design. Combining the traditional style of a strong-featured face and flattened body with a degree of abstraction, transformed into a grand and imposing whole, this is highly regarded as a representative rock-carved seated Buddha of the early Goryeo period.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Jongno-gu, Seoul

Designation

Treasure · 보물