Rock-carved Standing Buddha in Chiin-ri, Hapcheon

On a rock beside the path leading up from behind Haeinsa Temple to the summit of Gayasan Mountain, a Buddha 7.5 m tall is carved in relief. The bald head bears a large, high topknot-shaped hair bun. The full, square face, without a smile, shows sharply angled eyes, thick lips, and a creased chin; the ears are long enough almost to touch the shoulders, and three distinct folds mark the neck. The shoulders are broad and imposing, giving the figure, together with its face, a confident bearing. The robe draped over both shoulders is knotted into a loop at the left shoulder, and where it opens in a U-shape at the chest an undergarment and a knotted sash are visible. The right hand is raised to shoulder height with the thumb and middle finger touching, while the left hand, its back showing, is bent at the index and middle fingers and held to the chest. The hands in particular are rendered with realistic, delicate detail that gives them a sense of life. Behind the head is only a simple circular halo, and the natural rock face supporting it seems to serve also as the body halo. While the face and hands are finely carved, the body is treated with simplified drapery folds, as though carved onto a stone pillar. The vigorous, imposing rendering of each part, combined with refined detailing, suggests that this rock-carved Buddha was made around the ninth century.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Hapcheon, Gyeongnam

Designation

Treasure · 보물