Stone Buddhas of Yonghwasa Temple, Cheongju

According to the ridge-beam inscription (sangnyangmun, a record noting the start and completion of a building project and the names of those involved) in the main hall of Yonghwasa Temple, the temple was built in 1902. According to its founding story, seven stone Buddhas appeared to Lady Eom in a dream, pleading with her to build them a home in Cheongju; she sent people who found the stone Buddhas in a stream to the north-west of Cheongju. Yonghwasa Temple was then founded, and the seven stone Buddhas were enshrined in the Mireuk-bojeon, the Hall of Maitreya. The seven statues - five Buddhas and two bodhisattvas - are notable above all for their great size, ranging from 5.5 m at the largest to 1.4 m at the smallest. The third statue from the left has an especially large topknot-shaped protrusion (ushnisha) on its head. Its robe covers both shoulders, the body as a whole has a rich, rounded volume, and a swastika (卍) is carved in relief on the chest. The fifth statue from the left has distinctive drapery folds, and a huge arhat figure is carved on its back, which appears to be a later addition. In addition, a standing stone Buddha, whose head and both hands were repaired at a later date, is distinguished by the large topknot-shaped hair bun on its head. All seven statues, whether standing or seated, wear robes covering both shoulders, and judging from their faces and detailed technique - particularly the treatment of the drapery folds and the hand gestures - they are considered to have been made during the Goryeo period.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Cheongju, Chungbuk

Designation

Treasure · 보물