Iron Seated Buddha of Mangisa Temple, Pyeongtaek

The Iron Seated Buddha of Mangisa Temple, Pyeongtaek, housed at Mangisa Temple in Jinwi-myeon, Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, displays a typical Buddhist sculptural style of the Goryeo period. The pedestal that once supported the statue is missing, leaving only the body of the Buddha; the right arm and both hands are later replacements, and the original parts are kept separately within the temple. The head is covered with small snail-shell-shaped curls, and a large topknot-shaped protrusion (yukgye, the cranial bump symbolising enlightenment) rises near the crown. The oval face is rendered with clear detail, and the neck bears three clearly carved folds (samdo, the three lines traditionally shown on a Buddha's neck). The robe leaves the right shoulder bare and covers only the left shoulder, and the shoulders are broad and almost horizontal. At the shoulder the fabric is folded deeply into stepped pleats, and the arms and legs are also rendered with folds, though these are executed in a highly formulaic manner. The right hand rests on the knee with the fingertips pointing towards the ground, while the left hand rests at the abdomen. The upper body is slightly elongated, but the overall proportions are well balanced, giving a sense of stability. Although the figure has a dignified form, the schematic rendering of the robe folds and the composed, regularised face are characteristic features of Buddhist statues of the Goryeo period.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi

Designation

Treasure · 보물