Stone Standing Buddha in Multae-ri, Jecheon

This Buddha statue was moved from Eup-ri, Cheongpung, which was submerged when the Chungju Dam was built, to its present location beside the Cheongpung River at the entrance to Daegwangsa Temple. Judging from its overall carving style, it appears to be a work of around the 10th century. The usnisha atop the head is very small, making it appear tall and prominent, and the square face gives an impression of benevolence. The narrow yet thick eyes, broad nose and clearly defined philtrum express well the compassionate bearing of the Buddha. Both ears hang down long to the shoulders, and the neck bears three formally rendered folds. The robe covers both shoulders, with its drapery folds rendered so thickly that the outline of the body is barely visible beneath them. At the waist, a knotted sash is shown holding the skirt in place, below which U-shaped folds flow down in a relatively natural manner. The right hand is raised with the fingers bent, while the left hand hangs down with the fingers extended, palm turned outward. The original pedestal, now left abandoned about 3 m from the statue, is an octagonal lotus seat carved with lotus flowers on each face. This standing stone Buddha conveys the strength of Unified Silla Buddhist sculpture through its imposing shoulders and voluminous forms, but the formalised folds at the neck, the unrealistic rendering of the hands, and the blocky, mass-like treatment of the body make clear that it is in fact a work of the Goryeo period.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Jecheon, Chungbuk

Designation

Treasure · 보물