Stone Seated Buddhas in Bukji-ri, Yeongju (1963-2)

These Buddhas were moved here from a former temple site over the mountain to the east of Buseoksa Temple, and are presumed, on stylistic grounds, to have been made by the same sculptor. The face of the eastern Buddha is oval, with traces of a faint smile. Both hands are missing, but the arms are raised toward the chest, suggesting that the figure originally depicted Vairocana Buddha, with the right hand wrapped around the left index finger. The robe covering both shoulders is rendered with closely spaced, thin parallel folds, in the style then in fashion. The middle section of the pedestal is octagonal, with an offering bodhisattva carved on each face. The western Buddha is somewhat more imposing than the eastern one, and the lines of its body are rendered more softly. These Buddha images, examples of the Vairocana Buddha statues popular in the latter half of the ninth century, are highly regarded as representative works showing, in their refined yet human form, their parallel drapery folds, and their bodily posture, the characteristics of contemporary Buddhist thought and of Buddha statue styles of the period.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Yeongju, Gyeongbuk

Designation

Treasure · 보물