Rock-carved Seated Buddha in Wolchulsan Mountain, Yeongam

Basic information

Designation

National Treasure No.144

Category

Sculpture

Era

통일신라시대 후기

Designated year

1972

Location

영암군, 전라남도— 전남 영암군 영암읍 회문리 산26-8번지

Coordinates

34.763859, 126.690502

A section of the rocky cliff northwest of Gujeongbong Peak of Wolchulsan Mountain, Yeongam-gun was cut off to make a space for carving an 8.6m-high seated Buddha image. Next to the right lap of the Buddha image, an 86cm-high image of a baby monk with both hands clasped was carved in the direction of the image. Usnisa (a protuberance symbolizing supreme wisdom) is shown. The face of the Buddha image is portrayed to be rather large, looking stern and energetic. The thin robe displays the curves of the body. Robe wrinkles are expressed in thin lines, with the robe extending down to the pedestal. Overall, the statue displays the robe wrinkles exquisitely, with the voluminous body indicating resilience. Compared to the imposing-looking body, the arms are thin. The fingers of the right hand point to the bottom, and those of the left hand are placed on the lap with the palm facing up. The head halo -- carved separately from the body halo -- contains inscriptions of lotus and scrolling vine patterns, with flame patterns adorning the edge. Overall, the Rock-carved Seated Buddha in Wolchulsan Mountain gives an impression of stability and magnanimity. A sense of truthfulness to life is felt from the exquisite technique. The disproportionate, rigid expression of the body (e.g., large face compared to the small body, too thin arms) leads researchers to believe that it was made between the late Unified Silla Period (676 - 935) and the early Goryeo Period (918-1394).

Location