Stone Seated Buddhas in Bukji-ri, Yeongju (1963-1)

These stone seated Buddha images were originally kept at a temple site on the far side of the mountain east of Buseoksa Temple, and were later moved to their present location; stylistically they are thought to be the work of the same sculptor. The Buddha on the east has an oval face bearing traces of a faint smile. Both hands are missing, but the arms are raised towards the chest in a gesture suggesting that the right hand once wrapped around the left index finger — the mudra associated with Vairocana Buddha, the Buddha embodying the cosmic truth of the Buddhist teaching. The robe covering both shoulders is carved with the finely pleated, closely spaced parallel folds that were fashionable at the time. The middle section of the pedestal is octagonal, with an offering bodhisattva carved on each face. The Buddha on the west is more imposing than its eastern counterpart, with softer lines to the body. These images are examples of the Vairocana Buddha statues popular in the late ninth century, and are highly regarded as representative works that display, through their refined yet human form, their parallel robe folds, and their posture, the characteristic features of Buddhist thought and of Buddha-image style in that period.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Yeongju, Gyeongbuk

Designation

Treasure · 보물