Standing Rock-carved Buddha of Yongamsa Temple, Okcheon

This rock-carved Buddha stands at Yongamsa Temple, founded in 552, the thirteenth year of King Jinheung of Silla. A rectangular niche was cut into the rock face, and within it the Buddha was carved in high relief; the reddish colour of the rock makes a striking impression. At the temple it is known as the statue of Crown Prince Maui: it is said that descendants of Silla potters who had mourned the prince, longing for the sight of him chanting the Buddha's name, carved this image of Maitreya in memory of him. This rock-carved Buddha is said to be so efficacious that any prayer made before it is fulfilled. The Buddha stands with its feet apart on a lotus pedestal. The face, with its narrow, elongated eyes, small mouth and slender nose, shows a stylised quality despite its unconventional smile. This same schematic treatment appears in the body's details as well, in the arms that seem simply attached, the regular V-shaped folds of the robe, and the listless hang of the robe's hem to either side, all showing how the refined sculpture of Unified Silla was becoming formulaic. In the end, this statue appears to be a stylised work produced at a time when the refined carving techniques of Unified Silla were turning formulaic.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Okcheon, Chungbuk

Designation

Provincial Tangible Heritage · 시도유형문화유산