Stone Buddhist Stele at Geumdunsa Temple Site, Suncheon

This stele stands together with a three-storey stone pagoda at a temple site on the western side of Geumjeonsan Mountain in Nagan-myeon, Suncheon. The Dongguk yeoji seungnam records that 'Geumdunsa Temple stands on Geumjeonsan Mountain', and this site is presumed to be that temple. Fitted with a roof-shaped canopy and a pedestal, this Buddha image is carved on one face of a flat rectangular stone, giving it the appearance of a huge stone stele. On the crown of the bare head rises a low, topknot-shaped protuberance, and the face has a rounded, well-proportioned form. The body has graceful curves that give a sense of volume, and it appears refined and dignified. The robe draped over both shoulders is carved with parallel drapery folds in a stylised manner. Both hands are raised to chest height, with the tips of the thumbs and index fingers touching, forming the gesture of preaching the Dharma. An inscription appears to have been carved on the back of the image, but it is so badly worn that it is difficult to read; it is presumed that a bodhisattva figure was carved in the upper part of the back and an elephant figure in the lower part. The canopy resembles a pagoda roof stone in form, and the pedestal is carved with downward- and upward-facing lotus petals. The somewhat solemn expression and the rather plain treatment of the drapery are valuable examples of the realistic, naturalistic style characteristic of the ninth century.

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Where it is

Region

Suncheon, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

Treasure · 보물