Biamsa Sojoamitayeorae Seated Figure, Sejong

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.2300

Category

Sculpture

Era

조선 전기(16세기)

Designated year

2025

Location

, 세종특별자치시— 세종특별자치시 비암사길 137(전의면, 비암사) 비암사

Coordinates

36.611208, 127.191585Kakao address conversion

This English description was machine-translated and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the original Korean text for details.

The clay sculpture of Amitabha Buddha in seated posture from Biamsa Temple in Sejong is an important Buddhist cultural heritage artifact. Most surviving Buddhist cultural treasures were created during the period of Buddhist restoration and reconstruction following major wars such as the Japanese Invasions of Korea. Buddhist artifacts created before this period are rare. Although this Amitabha sculpture lacks a production vow inscription that would provide exact dating and information about the sculptor-monk, stylistic features evident in the facial expression, anatomical proportions, and dynamic brushwork suggest it was produced in the mid-16th century. Unlike typical clay Buddha sculptures, which are constructed with a basic wooden framework covered in clay, this work features detailed wooden outlining that is then refined with a limited amount of clay. Like other early Joseon Buddhist statues, it exhibits a high ushnisha and disproportionately robust upper body compared to low, broad knees, with abundant sculptural volume. This 16th-century Buddhist statue is exceptionally rare in surviving examples and displays the sculptor's individuality in the facial expression, making it art-historically significant. Moreover, scientific investigation has clearly revealed its manufacturing technique, making it an important resource for future research on Buddhist sculpture history, particularly clay Buddha sculptures of early Joseon.

Location