Rock-carved Standing Buddha at Samcheonsa Temple Site, Seoul

This standing Buddha, 3.02 m tall, is carved in shallow relief on the folding-screen rock at the entrance to Samcheonsa Temple Site, at the foot of Bukhansan Mountain. Large square holes on either shoulder of the figure suggest that a wooden structure once stood in front of the rock-carved image. Above the bare head rises a large topknot-shaped hair bun, and the face gives an impression that is both gentle and dignified. The upper body is broad-shouldered and sturdy, and between the widely opened U-shaped neckline the knotted sash of the undergarment and skirt is visible. The robe is draped over both shoulders and rendered somewhat thick in relation to the body, a new feature for images of this kind. On the left arm, wave-like drapery folds are carved closely together beneath the armpit, while on the right arm they are rendered more broadly, so that the two arms form a well-balanced composition. In contrast to the harmonious treatment of the upper body, the lower body appears somewhat unstable. The right hand has its fingers held straight, lightly grasping the hem of the robe, while the left hand is raised before the abdomen with the palm bent, though no object is depicted in it. The halo is divided by two raised lines into a head halo and a body halo; the body halo follows the outline of the figure and is carved deeply in a single line. Although the overall form is somewhat simplified and the details are not fully accomplished, the well-rounded face and balanced body make this a representative rock-carved Buddha of the early Goryeo period.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul

Designation

Treasure · 보물