Buddhist Altar at Baekheungam Hermitage of Eunhaesa Temple, Yeongcheon

A sumidan is a Buddhist altar built in the form of Mount Sumeru, the imaginary mountain at the centre of the Buddhist cosmos, upon which a Buddha image is enshrined. The Buddhist Altar at Baekheungam Hermitage of Eunhaesa Temple, Yeongcheon, is a late Joseon-period altar standing in Geungnakjeon Hall, 125 cm high and 413 cm wide. Its front face is arranged in five tiers, each further divided into five rectangular sections. The uppermost tier bears raised carvings of ansang, a cusped, niche-shaped ornamental motif. The second tier is carved with phoenixes, peacocks, cranes and pheasants, and the third tier with dragons, children, fish and frogs, all rendered with great delicacy. The fourth tier depicts elephants, lions and deer set within flower petals, while on the lowest tier goblin faces appear at both ends and a dragon occupies the centre. The arrangement of birds and animals on each tier is distinctive, and the carving technique is outstanding. Although a number of altars of this kind survive from the late Joseon period, this altar is valued as one of the finest examples among them.

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Where it is

Region

Yeongcheon, Gyeongbuk

Designation

Treasure · 보물