Seated Yangpyeong Sangwonsa Temple Iron Buddha

Although its surface has been gilded, this is a compact iron Buddha statue standing 45cm tall. Because iron is difficult to work, it was not widely used as a sculptural material. Together with the seated iron Buddha of Bogwangjeon Hall at Namjangsa Temple in Sangju, the Sangwonsa iron Buddha is an important example of early Joseon iron Buddhas, made just before this type of sculpture disappeared. The statue's two hands are now wooden replacements, fitted when it was regilded. Overall, the face is disproportionately large for the body, and the usnisha — the knob atop the head, derived from the topknot into which Indian people once bound their hair, symbolising the Buddha's great and lofty wisdom — is likewise exaggerated, both typical features of early Joseon Buddhist statues. The hair is densely covered with sharp, snail-shell curls, and the usnisha jewel is rendered only very small atop the large usnisha, with none at the centre of the head. The full, plump face has clearly defined features and a faint smile on its small mouth. The deeply set eye sockets and sharply raised outer corners of the eyes give it an exotic air. The robe exposes much of the chest while covering both shoulders, and the knotted sash binding the undergarment beneath hangs down long between the legs. In particular, the end of the broad, semicircular robe fold covering the right shoulder curves sharply outward, a feature commonly seen in early Joseon Buddhist statues. Judging from its tall, large usnisha, the usnisha jewel at the crown, the sharply defined facial features, and the style of its robes, this iron Buddha is presumed to have been made in the fifteenth century under the influence of Buddhist statues of China's Ming dynasty.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi

Designation

Cultural Heritage Material · 문화유산자료