Rock-carved Seated Bodhisattva Triad in Nangsan Mountain, Gyeongju

A Buddhist triad is carved on a rock face on the western slope of Nangsan Mountain, Gyeongju; the surface is rough and badly cracked. At the centre is the principal Buddha, furnished with both a head halo and a body halo, flanked on either side by attendant figures. The principal Buddha's round, full face, with its prominent cheekbones and faint smile, has a highly distinctive appearance. The principal figure wears a hood over the head, and the robe covering both shoulders is interestingly similar to depictions of the bodhisattva Kṣitigarbha seen in Goryeo Buddhist paintings. The two attendant figures stand at some distance from the principal figure and wear armour: the one on the left holds a sword in the right hand, and the one on the right holds weapons in both hands, apparently representing guardian deities who drive away evil spirits. Given its proximity to Neungjitap Pagoda, traditionally said to be the cremation site of King Munmu the Great of Silla, and the style of the carving, this triad is presumed to date from the Unified Silla period.

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Where it is

Region

Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk

Designation

Treasure · 보물