Iron Seated Buddha of Seonwonsa Temple, Namwon

The Iron Seated Buddha of Seonwonsa Temple, Namwon is an iron seated Buddha enshrined at Seonwonsa Temple in Namwon, Jeollabuk-do; it closely resembles the Iron Seated Sakyamuni Buddha of Chungung-ri (a treasure) and is a typical example of a Goryeo-period iron Buddha. The head is covered with small snail-shell-shaped curls, and above the forehead is the crescent-shaped ornament that was popular on Buddhist images of the Goryeo period. The triangular face has lost its softness, and the sharp nose, firmly closed mouth and protruding chin give it a stern expression. The robe draped over both shoulders is rendered thinly, and the wide collar, closed to the right, gives the unusual impression of the figure wearing hanbok, traditional Korean dress. The folds of the robe on the arms and legs are simplified into a convex, block-like (凸-shaped) pattern. The body has straight shoulders and a broad, sturdy chest that conveys a dignified impression, with the two arms meeting at a narrow waist. The present hands were made and attached in recent times; judging from the shape of the arms, the right hand was probably originally raised to the knee with the fingertips pointing towards the ground, while the left hand rested on the abdomen. Although the image appears somewhat abstract, its well-balanced proportions and ingenious casting technique make it a valuable work that clearly demonstrates the characteristics of Goryeo-period iron Buddhas.

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Where it is

Region

Namwon, Jeonbuk

Designation

Treasure · 보물