Seated Goryeong Gaepo-dong Stone Avalokitesvara

A stone Buddha image of the Goryeo period, located in Gaepo-dong, Gaejin-myeon, Goryeong-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, carved on a flat, boat-shaped stone. The overall outline is carved in relief, while the drapery folds and lotus patterns are rendered in simple linear strokes, a schematic technique. The crown on the head has a small Buddha carved into it, and the figure holds a lotus branch in its hand, identifying it as an image of Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Unlike the usual form, the crown is shaped like the Chinese character 丁 (ding), giving the image a thoroughly localised, folk appearance. The face is round and broad, and the narrow nose and small mouth give a strong folk character. The folds of the robe draped over both shoulders are rendered roughly, like wavy lines, whereas the lotus held in the hand is carved with great delicacy. The shoulders are relatively broad, but the two feet, which seem simply attached to the knees, and the right arm and hand shown at chest level, appear somewhat awkward. A lotus pattern is carved on the pedestal, though the carving lacks clarity and vitality. Flower patterns are carved on the halo behind the body. On the back of the image is inscribed "the 27th day of the sixth month of the eulyu year, the second year of Yongxi (985, the fourth year of King Seongjong of Goryeo)." This Buddha is thought to have been made by a local craftsman modelling it on a refined carving such as the Seated Rock-carved Bhaisajyaguru Buddha of Gwangju. It is an important example illustrating the localised style of Buddha images produced by regional craftsmen in the early Goryeo period.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Goryeong, Gyeongbuk

Designation

Provincial Tangible Heritage · 시도유형문화유산