Seated Yeoju Dogok-ri Stone Buddha

Standing 3.31 m in total height, with the Buddha figure itself measuring 1.93 m, this seated stone Buddha sits in the lotus position on an octagonal pedestal, facing north-east on the hillside of Wonjeoksan Mountain. It is in relatively good condition overall, without major damage, although the mandorla (gwangbae, the halo of sacred light representing the radiance emanating from the Buddha's body) no longer survives. The overall style continues the sculptural traditions of the late Unified Silla period. The rendering of the large body, and in particular the high, prominent knees and the form of the pedestal, closely resemble the nearby Seated Maitreya Buddha at Pochogol, Yeoju, suggesting that this figure reflects a style of Buddha image that was popular in Yeoju during the early Goryeo period. The topknot-shaped protrusion on the crown of the head, the ushnisha (yukgye, a mound symbolising the Buddha's wisdom), is worn almost smooth and barely visible. The face is round, the nose full, and the cheeks have a good sense of volume. The ears hang down to the shoulders, and the three folds on the neck are clearly rendered. The left hand rests open on the knee, while the right hand is held near the chest with the fingers placed on the palm of the left hand, in an unusual gesture. The robe, which covers both shoulders and is fastened with a ring at the left shoulder, forms triangular folds - a treatment that carries on the Unified Silla Buddhist sculptural style of the ninth century. The way the hem of the robe draped over the right wrist falls across the knee in a leaf-like shape is a feature seen in wooden Buddha statues of the Goryeo period.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Yeoju, Gyeonggi

Designation

Provincial Tangible Heritage · 시도유형문화유산