Rock-carved Buddhas in Noseok-ri, Chilgok

These Buddha images, carved in shallow relief on a huge rock face, date from the early Unified Silla period. At the centre is a seated triad showing the principal Buddha flanked by two attendant bodhisattvas facing him, with the unusual feature that an additional small seated Buddha is placed beside the bodhisattva on the right. The principal Buddha has a full, fleshy face with comparatively small features, so that the proportions are not entirely balanced. The robe draped over both shoulders is carved with folds running in parallel lines from the left shoulder, across the front, to above the right knee, giving it a somewhat formulaic character. Around the head is a clearly defined round halo representing the light radiating from the whole body, surrounded by elaborate flame patterns. The bodhisattva on the left is similar to the principal Buddha in its detailed carving technique. The meaning of the long U-shaped raised line across its chest is unclear, but this feature appears on all four figures. The bodhisattva on the right is shown with its ankles crossed, a posture unique among Buddhist images in Korea; it is otherwise almost identical to the bodhisattva on the left, differing only in that it holds what appears to be a lotus bud in its left hand. The separately carved seated Buddha is very similar to the principal Buddha. Its posture is the half-cross-legged form with the right foot lowered, but unlike the standard form, the left foot is not placed on the right knee but rests below it.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Chilgok, Gyeongbuk

Designation

Treasure · 보물