Sammaksa Temple Rock-carved Buddha Triad

This is a rock-carved Buddha image of the late Joseon period, enshrined in the Chilseong-gak (Hall of the Seven Stars) at Sammaksa Temple. The triad is carved in relief on a huge rock face, with all three figures seated on lotus pedestals. The central main Buddha is carved much larger than the bodhisattvas at either side, which are somewhat smaller. The main Buddha has a small, pointed usnisha (the topknot-shaped protuberance on the crown of the head) on its bald head, with a cintamani, a jewel ornamenting the hair, set at the centre of the head. The square face has puffy, swollen eyelids, a short triangular nose and a small mouth, giving the figure a gentle expression with a faint smile. A thick monastic robe is draped over both shoulders and passes over the arms to cover the knees. The folds of the drapery are treated in a generally simple and schematic manner. The two hands, folded in front of the abdomen, hold a round jewel. The bodhisattvas on either side wear crowns bearing the sun and moon and hold their hands together at the chest in the gesture of prayer. Judging from these crowns, they are thought to represent Ilgwang Bodhisattva (the Sunlight Bodhisattva) and Wolgwang Bodhisattva (the Moonlight Bodhisattva). The manner in which they wear the monastic robe and the shape of the folds formed by the hanging hem resemble those of the main Buddha. Since the main Buddha sits between the Sunlight and Moonlight Bodhisattvas holding a jewel, it may represent Chiseonggwang-yeorae, the buddha associated with the Pole Star, whose worship was popular in the late Joseon period. An inscription carved at the base of the image gives the exact date of production as 1763, the thirty-ninth year of King Yeongjo. Overall, with its round, gentle face, thick robe and body of reduced volume, it is an important work that shows the characteristics of rock-carved Buddha images of the late eighteenth century. It is also a valuable example of a rock-carved image of Chiseonggwang-yeorae, and important material for the study of late Joseon art history.

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Where it is

Region

Anyang, Gyeonggi

Designation

Provincial Tangible Heritage · 시도유형문화유산