Stone Lantern at Jingusa Temple Site, Imsil

This stone lantern is known to have been moved from its original location. It is built around a fire-housing stone (hwasaseok) at the centre, set on a tall base, with a roof stone and finial parts above. On the side of the lower base stone, large arched niches (ansang) are boldly carved, and above them large lotus and cloud patterns are added, giving the lantern a sense of sanctity. The central shaft is skilfully shaped like an hourglass drum (janggo). The upper base stone is elaborately decorated with lotus flowers to create an air of solemn grandeur, and the fire-housing stone set above it has windows cut into each face so that the light symbolising the Buddha's truth could spread far and wide. The roof stone is adorned with a large flower at each of its eight corners, revealing both elegance and the stonemason's outstanding skill in working stone. Only part of the finial survives: a large octagonal finial-base stone (露盤, noban) together with a separate member that once supported another part above it. Made during the Unified Silla period, this lantern is, like the stone lanterns of Hwaeomsa Temple in Gurye and Silsangsa Temple in Namwon, one of the largest and most magnificent in Korea, yet its well-matched proportions give it a stable, balanced appearance. It is a masterpiece that reveals the standing Jingusa Temple once enjoyed.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Imsil, Jeonbuk

Designation

Treasure · 보물