Stone Pedestal in Mulgeol-ri, Hongcheon

This stone Buddha pedestal at Daeseungsa Temple has lost its Buddha image, and only the mandorla (a halo-shaped nimbus set behind the figure) and the pedestal survive; the pedestal itself is almost completely intact. The mandorla clearly distinguishes a head-halo from a body-halo, though the head-halo section is now missing; scrolling vine patterns are carved on the inner surface and flame patterns around the edge. The pedestal is an octagonal form typical of the Unified Silla period, composed of upper, middle and lower tiers. On the lower tier, an octagonal base stone carved with a censer and bird-shaped figures supports a lotus-flower stone carved with downward-facing lotus petals. On the middle tier, corner pillars are carved on each of the eight faces, with a standing bodhisattva bearing a head-halo carved within each. The upper tier, circular in plan, is a lotus seat carved with three tiers of lotus petals, each petal further decorated inside with a flower pattern, adding to its splendour. The carving of every part of this Buddha pedestal is highly refined; given that it was found at the same temple site as the Stone Seated Vairocana Buddha in Mulgeol-ri, Hongcheon, and the Stone Seated Buddha in Mulgeol-ri, Hongcheon, both preserved in Mulgeol-ri, and judging from its carving technique, it is thought to have been made in the 9th century, around the same time as those other Buddha images.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Hongcheon, Gangwon

Designation

Treasure · 보물