Gyeongju Yaksu Valley Rock-carved Ip Buddha Statue

The valley that plunges westward directly from the summit of Geumosan Mountain in Gyeongju is known as Sanhogok, or Yaksu Valley. On a rock face in this valley is carved a colossal Buddha statue 8.6 m in height, of which only the section below the shoulders now survives, the head having been lost. The head appears to have been made separately and attached, since a hole remains in the neck where it was once fixed in place. The rock surface on either side has been cut back more than 30 cm, making the statue stand out prominently, and the hands and drapery folds are carved in high relief to a depth of about 10 cm, giving a striking sense of volume. The left hand is bent and held to the chest, while the right hand is lowered to waist level; in both hands the thumb, index finger and ring finger touch. The robe is worn draped over both shoulders, its hem falling long down each side to form several parallel folds. Across the chest, soft U-shaped folds are carved densely down almost to the knees, below which vertical folds like those of a skirt are shown. These drapery folds, forming regular parallel lines over the body, are somewhat monotonous and formulaic, yet the lines are clear, giving an effect that is both forceful and flowing. This style of drapery was in fashion in Buddha statues of the late ninth century, such as the Rock-carved Seated Buddha at Golguram Hermitage, Wolseong (Treasure), and the Iron Seated Vairocana Buddha at Dopiansa Temple (National Treasure), and together with the form of the statue it allows the period of production to be estimated.

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Where it is

Region

Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk

Designation

Provincial Tangible Heritage · 시도유형문화유산