Stone Standing Amitabha Buddha at Mitaam Hermitage, Yangsan

This Buddha is enshrined within the rock-cave temple of Mitaam Hermitage, said to have been founded by the monk Wonhyo. The large topknot-shaped protrusion (yukgye) on the head, the long ears reaching down to the shoulders, the full yet elegant expression, the left hand hanging straight down against the body with the right hand placed on the chest, the rounded shoulders and flat chest, and the posture of standing upright directly on the pedestal, all show that this statue carries on the style of the Stone Standing Amitabha Buddha of Gamsansa Temple, Gyeongju (a national treasure), made in 719. The robe, wrapping the entire body in soft folds, falls in a U-shaped pattern of drapery lines that form a symmetrical pattern at the ankles. The halo, which represents the light radiating from the Buddha's body, is shaped like a boat with a pointed end, with two thick lines inside dividing the head halo from the body halo. Between these lines, floral patterns are arranged symmetrically, and a flame pattern is carved along the edge. The pedestal consists of a square base stone carved with thinly incised, eye-shaped niches (ansang), topped with a double lotus-flower seat carved with floral patterns. Given that the style and technique of the halo, pedestal and drapery folds resemble those of the Stone Standing Amitabha Buddha of Gamsansa Temple, Gyeongju (a national treasure), this work is presumed to date from the Unified Silla period. This Buddha is enshrined in the rock cave where, according to the Samguk yusa (Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms), five monks who practised there are recorded to have flown off to the Western Pure Land. Although Mitaam is a natural cave, clear traces of artificial work can be seen, offering a glimpse into one lineage of eighth-century Unified Silla Buddhist sculptural style. It is regarded as a valuable work for understanding both the development of Silla Amitabha belief and a facet of the rock-cave temple construction that flourished at the time.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Yangsan, Gyeongnam

Designation

Treasure · 보물