Stone Seated Vairocana Buddha at Sudoam Hermitage of Cheongamsa Temple, Gimcheon

Enshrined at Sudoam Hermitage of Cheongamsa Temple, this 2.51 m stone Buddha of the Unified Silla period depicts Vairocana, who is said to preside over and unify the entire realm of truth. The head is bare, with a small but clearly formed topknot-shaped protrusion (ushnisha). The face is square and full, and its long eyes, small mouth and flat nose bridge give it a dignified appearance. The robe covers both shoulders, its folds rendered loosely and somewhat formulaically. The hands, with the right hand wrapped around the index finger of the left, are depicted very realistically, giving an impression of neatness and strength. That such a large statue nonetheless appears somewhat unstable seems, together with the unusual hand gesture, to reflect the stylistic tendencies of its period. The pedestal on which the Buddha sits consists broadly of three sections: the lowest forms an octagon in the shape of an inverted lotus. At the top, near-semicircular lotus petals are arranged in two overlapping rows, and the front is distinctively carved with three lions and what appears to be a dragon's head. Overall the statue is refined and well balanced, but its somewhat diminished vigour, reduced tension and lessened elasticity suggest that it was made towards the end of the Silla period.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Gimcheon, Gyeongbuk

Designation

Treasure · 보물