Stone Pedestal and Mandorla in Mulgeol-ri, Hongcheon

This is at Daeseungsa Temple in Mulgeol-ri, Naechon-myeon, Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon State; the Buddha image is gone, and only the mandorla and pedestal survive. The mandorla, a complete boat-shaped nimbus, is carved at its centre with lotus and scrolling-vine patterns, while its edge is delicately and lavishly carved with flame motifs. Small Buddha figures are carved at nine places on it, at the top and to either side, each shown making a different hand gesture. The pedestal supporting the mandorla is octagonal, composed of three tiers. On the lowest tier, each face is carved with a downward-facing lotus pattern, and small ornamental finials sit at the corners. Each face of the middle tier is carved with a guardian deity said to protect the Buddha image and drive away evil spirits. The topmost part of the pedestal is a semi-circular form of fully blossomed lotus petals, within which small flower patterns are further carved, adding to the splendour. Given that the style of the mandorla and pedestal shows features similar to those appearing after the 9th century, the work is thought to have been made in the late Unified Silla period.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Hongcheon, Gangwon

Designation

Treasure · 보물