Buinsa Temple Stupa

This is a monk's sarira stupa (a memorial pagoda enshrining the sari, or relics, of a Buddhist monk), standing to one side of Buinsa Temple. It follows the style most widely used since the Unified Silla period, with every part set on a square base stone but built on an octagonal plan. The foundation (gidan), made up of upper, middle and lower sections, has lotus patterns encircling the top of the lower support stone, while four lion figures are carved in relief on its sides. The middle support stone is decorated with floral patterns on four sides, with figures of animals and child attendants (dongja) on the rest. The upper support stone, which spreads out broadly at the top, is carved and encircled with lotus patterns. The body stone of the pagoda is drawn in at top and bottom, giving it the shape of an entasis column, and on one side is inscribed the pen name Eontongdang (隱通堂) of a monk. On the roof stone, the eight corner ridgelines and roof-tile grooves are realistically rendered on the upper surface, and at each corner, in place of floral carving, the face of a dokkaebi goblin is carved; the underside is carved with double rafters to represent overlapping eaves. A finial newly made in recent times sits at the top. Overall the proportions of the various parts are somewhat awkward, and the carving technique is simplified, lacking delicacy or splendour. Judging from these stylistic features it appears to date from the mid-Joseon period, but a precise date will only be possible once it is established who the monk using the pen name Eontongdang was.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Dong-gu, Daegu

Designation

Provincial Tangible Heritage · 시도유형문화유산