Stone Lantern in Front of Muryangsujeon Hall, Buseoksa Temple, Yeongju

Basic information

Designation

National Treasure No.17

Category

Sites & Pagodas

Era

통일신라시대

Designated year

1962

Location

영주시, 경상북도— 경상북도 영주시 부석사로 345 (부석면, 부석사)

Coordinates

36.998805, 128.687452

Stone lanterns generally represent the light of Buddha, and are usually placed in front of important structures such as a main prayer hall or a pagoda. Stone lanterns consist of a niche in which a candle is placed, a post, stone supports, and a roofstone with a head decoration on the top. This attractive, harmoniously proportioned stone lantern, located in front of Muryangsujeon Hall of Buseoksa Temple, was made in the Unified Silla Period. The square platform is carved with decorative designs, and a large lotus flower is carved on the lantern pedestal supporting the typical octagonal post. There is a carving of a lotus flower in full bloom over the supporting stone holding the lantern proper. The octagonal niche has openings on four sides, while the other four sides feature elaborately-carved Bodhisattva images. The roofstone is also octagonal, its corner end rising slightly to give an impression of lightness. Only the supporting stones of the head decoration remain on the roofstone. The graceful masterpiece is considered the most beautiful and harmoniously proportioned stone lantern produced in the Unified Silla Period. Notably, the stone lantern looks more prominent thanks to the Bodhisattva image elaborately carved on the four faces of the niche.

Location