Stupa with Lion and Musician in Relief in Sangyeok-dong, Daegu

The stupa is essentially octagonal in plan throughout, its body set on a three-tiered platform (gidan) and topped with a roof stone. The platform, resting on a square base stone, is divided into lower, middle and upper support stones: lions are carved on the sides of the lower stone, with clouds carved in relief on its upper surface. The low middle support stone has its corners chamfered, each face carved with a figure playing a musical instrument. The upper support stone has a band running round its middle, with plain but bold lotus flowers carved on its lower and upper surfaces. The body of the stupa, which enshrined the sari (Buddhist relics), is relatively low. Pillar shapes are carved at the corners, door panels fitted with locks appear on the front and back, and the remaining faces bear figures of the Four Heavenly Kings and bodhisattvas. The broad roof stone is beautifully carved on its underside with incense burners and flying celestial figures (bicheon), and its eaves follow the roof style of wooden architecture, closely imitating tightly packed double rows of rafters. The upper surface is ringed with lotus flowers, above which sits a noban, a finial base, carved on its four sides with the kalavinka, a bird said to dwell in the Buddhist paradise. Although part of the roof stone is broken and the stupa does not survive intact, the proportions of its upper and lower parts are well matched, making it a beautiful work. The carving throughout is grand and accomplished, and clearly displays the characteristics of the Goryeo period. It was brought to the museum of Kyungpook National University from a Japanese residence in Daegu, and neither the original site where the stupa stood nor the identity of the monk it commemorates is known.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Buk-gu, Daegu

Designation

Treasure · 보물