Three-story Stone Pagoda of Jibosa Temple, Gunwi

This stone pagoda stands within the grounds of Jibosa Temple, a compact structure with a three-storey body set on a two-tier base. The base displays the typical construction method of the late Unified Silla period. Pillar-shapes are carved at the corners and in the centre of each face of the base, and the spaces between the pillars are decorated with carvings: lion-shaped animal figures on the lower tier and images of the Eight Legions, guardian deities of Buddhism, on the upper tier. The stones making up the base are all tall, giving it a somewhat towering appearance. A separate slab carved with a lotus-flower design is inserted on top of the base to support the stone above it. On the body of the pagoda, the first-storey body stone is carved with a door-shaped design, representing a niche (gamsil) for enshrining the Buddha. The roof stones are formed of separate stones, and the four tiers of supports carved on their undersides look thick. At the top, only the noban and bokbal, two elements of the finial, remain. Although the pagoda has been considerably worn and damaged overall, leaving the viewer with a sense of regret, it is an outstanding early Goryeo work, with elaborate carving and a neat, well-balanced appearance.

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Where it is

Region

Gunwi, Daegu

Designation

Treasure · 보물