Stone Lotus Pedestal of Geumsansa Temple, Gimje

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.23

Category

Sites & Pagodas

Era

나말여초(10세기경)

Designated year

1963

Location

김제시, 전북특별자치도— 전북 김제시 금산면 모악15길 1, 금산사 (금산리)

Coordinates

35.723343, 127.053554

This lotus-shaped stone pedestal used to support a statue of the Buddha. Compared with most other lotus pedestals it is rather huge and has an unusual structure. It is located beneath a stone-platform 10 meters southeast of Daejeokgwangjeon Hall in Geumsansa Temple, although many historians believe that it was moved there from another location. The three vertical parts of the pedestal, hewn from a single block of stone, are so well made that the pedestal looks as it if were made from several pieces of stone. The surface of the top of the upper part of the pedestal is evenly cut and has two square holes which are assumed to have held a statue of the Buddha. The lotus flower patterns enclosing the base of the upper part and the compact floral design create an impression of exuberance. The hexagonal middle part features floral patterns in relief, while the bottom part is engraved with upside-down lotus flower patterns. Overall, this pedestal follows the style of the Unified Silla Dynasty, although its exuberant decorative features have led historians to believe that it was built sometime between the Unified Silla Dynasty and the early Goryeo Dynasty.

Location